The agreement was signed during the Belgian state visit to India. Thales said its 70-mm rocket systems are already operated by the Indian Armed Forces.
KSSL is the wholly owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited. It would provide manufacturing, testing and systems-integration capacity, while Thales would contribute rocket technology developed in Belgium and access to its qualified supply chain.
“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,” said Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice-President – India, Thales. The company said the agreement builds on its decades of work with India’s defence sector.
“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,” said Neelesh Tungar, CEO, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. The planned facility would form part of the local industrial base supporting the partnership.
Thales said its 70-mm rocket systems are used by 70 armed forces across 55 countries. The weapons can be integrated across air, land and maritime platforms.
Compatible aircraft include India’s Advanced Light Helicopter in its weaponised configuration and the Light Combat Helicopter. Thales also identified advanced variants of the rockets as suitable for counter-drone missions against evolving aerial threats.
The companies said the alliance would support technology transfer, local value creation and skills development in India. It also aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India for the World programmes while expanding defence cooperation between India and Belgium.
