Thales-KSSL MoU for rocket production in India.
KSSL-Thales MoU for Rocket Production in India: Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the wholly owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge, have signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement covering potential cooperation on 70-mm rocket systems and associated equipment.
The agreement was signed during the Belgian state visit to India and is intended to create a framework for technology transfer, local production, system integration and distribution. The proposed cooperation covers both unguided and laser-guided versions of Thales’ 70-mm rockets.
The systems are already in use with the Indian Armed Forces, meaning the proposed partnership concerns equipment that has an existing operational presence in India rather than an entirely new capability.
The companies said the arrangement could serve both Indian requirements and international markets. However, the agreement itself sets out a framework for cooperation rather than announcing specific production quantities, investment levels or delivery schedules.
What the agreement covers
Under the proposed arrangement, Thales will contribute its expertise in 2.75-inch, or 70-mm, rockets and launchers developed in Belgium. KSSL will provide local manufacturing, integration and testing capabilities.
The companies intend to support production and integration of components sourced through Thales’ qualified supply chain. This approach is designed to bring more manufacturing activity into India while retaining established supply-chain standards.
Technology transfer is another component of the agreement. The companies said the cooperation would help create an indigenous capability for producing rocket systems in India and potentially support exports.
For KSSL, the partnership adds another international defence technology relationship to its manufacturing portfolio. The company has been expanding its role in defence production, with a focus on manufacturing, engineering and system integration.
The proposed arrangement also connects with KSSL’s upcoming Energetics facility in Andhra Pradesh, which the company identifies as part of the industrial infrastructure that could support rocket-system production.
Existing use by Indian forces
Thales’ 70-mm rocket systems are already used by the Indian Armed Forces and can be integrated with several types of platforms.
The company says its systems are used by 70 armed forces across 55 countries. The rockets are designed for multi-role missions and integration across air, land and maritime applications.
In India, the systems are associated with rotary-wing aircraft including the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-WSI) and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
Their use across different platforms is relevant to the proposed manufacturing arrangement because local production could potentially support existing fleets as well as future requirements.
The company also points to a newer application for 70-mm rockets: countering unmanned aerial systems.
Thales-KSSL agree to manufacture rockets in India.
Counter-drone role
The increasing use of drones in military operations has expanded demand for systems capable of dealing with small and relatively inexpensive aerial targets.
Thales said advanced versions of its 70-mm rockets are increasingly suited to counter-drone missions. The company describes the systems as offering a scalable option against changing aerial threats.
The proposed partnership therefore covers more than conventional rocket applications. It potentially places the technology within a wider Indian defence requirement for systems capable of responding to unmanned aerial threats.
No specific Indian counter-UAS programme or procurement contract was announced as part of the agreement, however.
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Focus on local manufacturing
Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice-President – India at Thales, said the agreement builds on the company’s existing relationship with India’s defence industry.
“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.”
Kanaglekar said the companies would combine their respective technical and manufacturing capabilities.
“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 of Kalyani Strategic Systems, linked the partnership to the company’s plans to expand its domestic industrial base.
“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.”
Tungar said the companies were looking beyond domestic requirements.
“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.”
India-Belgium defence ties
The agreement also forms part of the wider defence relationship between India and Belgium. Its signing during the Belgian state visit gives the industrial partnership a diplomatic context, but the practical outcome will depend on how the companies implement the framework.
The stated objectives include local value creation, technology transfer and skills development. If implemented, these could increase India’s involvement in the supply chain for 70-mm rocket systems rather than limiting the country to their role as an end-user.
The international dimension is also important. KSSL and Thales said the proposed capability could address Indian demand while supporting exports to overseas markets.
For now, the Strategic Alliance Agreement establishes the basis for that cooperation. The next stage will involve translating the framework into manufacturing, integration and technology-transfer activities.
The partnership adds another example of India’s effort to move towards greater domestic production of defence equipment while allowing foreign manufacturers to retain a role in technology and supply chains. For Thales, it creates a local industrial route for its 70-mm rocket systems; for KSSL, it expands the range of defence technologies it could manufacture and integrate in India.
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