Bharat Forge’s KSSL Signs Dual Defence Pacts with FN Herstal & Thales
Pune: Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the wholly-owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, has signed two significant defence partnerships aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities under the Make in India initiative.
1. Partnership with FN Herstal for Small Arms & Counter-UAS
KSSL and FN Herstal (a wholly-owned subsidiary of FN Browning Group) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to pursue local manufacturing and industrial cooperation.
The partnership will evaluate the establishment of a dedicated production centre in India and a potential Strategic Alliance / Joint Venture covering small arms, integrated weapon systems and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions.
Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge, said the collaboration combines FN Herstal’s globally respected portfolio with KSSL’s engineering excellence and industrial scale to deliver advanced defence solutions from India for India and global markets.
Mr. Julien Compere, CEO of FN Browning Group, stated that the agreement reflects a shared ambition to build long-term sovereign capacity for the Indian Armed Forces through local manufacturing and technology cooperation.
2. Strategic Alliance with Thales for 70-mm Rocket Systems
KSSL and Thales signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement to establish advanced industrial capability for 70-mm rocket systems in India.
The alliance covers both unguided and laser-guided variants of Thales’ 70-mm rocket systems (already in use by the Indian Armed Forces). It provides a framework for technology transfer, local production and distribution.
The first fully assembled rocket produced in India is targeted for early 2027. The collaboration aims to develop a robust local supply chain and position India as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for advanced rocket systems.
Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice-President – India, Thales, and Neelesh Tungar, CEO of KSSL, both highlighted that the partnership advances the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India for the World.
About Kalyani Strategic Systems
KSSL drives the defence business of the Kalyani Group and delivers sovereign defence capability across land, marine and unmanned domains, including artillery systems, armoured vehicles, small arms, ammunition and unmanned platforms.
Both partnerships reinforce India’s growing role as a trusted partner in the global defence supply chain while enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces.
Source: Official press releases issued by Bharat Forge Limited on 3 September 2026.