New Delhi, September 3: Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge, has formed a partnership with Thales to manufacture and assemble advanced 70mm rocket systems in India. The goal is to boost India’s defense self-reliance as part of the Make in India initiative. The two companies plan to produce high-precision rockets for the Indian Armed Forces, with the first units expected by early 2027. This partnership also expands KSSL’s aerospace and defense work by bringing in international expertise to improve local manufacturing.
Thales will supply the technical expertise and design for the 70mm rocket systems, while KSSL will handle manufacturing and assembly in India. This partnership aims to meet the Indian military’s need for reliable and versatile munitions that work with different aerial platforms.
“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.” Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice-President – India, Thales, said in a press release.
“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.” Neelesh Tungar, CEO, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd added.
