Partnership to enable technology transfer, local production and global distribution of unguided and laser-guided systems
During the Belgian state visit to India, Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the wholly owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement to explore collaboration on unguided and laser-guided 70-mm rocket systems and associated equipment.
Building on a decade-long relationship, the partnership combines Thales’ combat-proven rocket technologies and global reach with KSSL’s manufacturing, system integration and testing capabilities. The alliance will establish an advanced industrial capability in India, with the first fully assembled rocket produced in India targeted for early 2027.
Under the agreement, Thales will contribute its expertise in 2.75-inch/70-mm rockets and launchers developed in Belgium, while KSSL will use its local manufacturing and testing infrastructure to support production and integration of components from Thales’ qualified supply chain.
Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice-President – India, Thales, said: “Thales has partnered with India for decades and this collaboration with KSSL is a testament to our deep and long-standing engagement with the local defence ecosystem. By combining our combat-proven 70mm rocket expertise from Belgium with KSSL’s engineering and manufacturing strengths, we are co-creating capabilities that will enhance India’s operational readiness and advance its vision of self-reliance in critical defence technologies.”
Neelesh Tungar, CEO, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd., said: “By combining Thales’ proven technologies with Kalyani Strategic Systems’ advanced industrial ecosystem including our upcoming Energetics facility in Andhra Pradesh, this strategic partnership lays the foundation for indigenous production of next-generation rocket systems. Beyond strengthening the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces, it advances the vision of ‘Make in India for the World,’ positioning India as a globally competitive hub for advanced defence technologies.”
The collaboration will support local value creation, technology transfer, skill development and the development of a robust domestic supply chain, while creating opportunities to serve global requirements.
