India is set to have an advanced manufacturing capability for Thales' 70-mm rocket systems under a new strategic agreement between Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL).
The two companies have signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement covering both unguided and laser-guided variants of Thales' 70-mm rockets. The deal provides a framework for technology transfer, local production and distribution of the rocket systems and associated equipment.
A key target under the partnership is to produce the first fully assembled 70-mm rocket in India by early 2027.
The agreement is significant as it seeks to create an indigenous production capability that can meet the requirements of the Indian armed forces while also serving international markets. The partnership aims to develop a local supply chain and position India as a manufacturing and export hub for advanced rocket systems.
The agreement was signed during the Belgian state visit to India and builds on a decade-long relationship between the two companies.
Under the partnership, Thales will bring its combat-proven rocket technology and expertise in 2.75-inch/70-mm rockets and launchers developed in Belgium. KSSL, the wholly-owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, will bring its manufacturing, system integration and testing capabilities, according to a release.
KSSL will use its local manufacturing and testing facilities to support the production and integration of components from Thales' qualified supply chain while maintaining international quality standards.
The collaboration will also draw on KSSL's industrial ecosystem, including its upcoming Energetics facility in Andhra Pradesh, the statement said.
The companies said the partnership would support technology transfer, local value creation and skill development while building sovereign defence capabilities in India.
Thales will combine its rocket technology and international market reach with KSSL's manufacturing and industrial capabilities in India. The partnership is intended to make India a strategic production and export base for the systems.
Thales Vice-President for India Ankur Kanaglekar said combining the company's 70-mm rocket expertise with KSSL's engineering and manufacturing capabilities would enhance India's operational readiness and advance self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
KSSL CEO Neelesh Tungar said the partnership lays the foundation for indigenous production of next-generation rocket systems and advances the vision of "Make in India for the World."
Thales' 70-mm rocket systems offer multi-platform capability and can be deployed across air, land and maritime platforms.
The systems are already in use by the Indian Armed Forces and can be integrated with rotary-wing platforms such as the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-WSI) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
The rockets are used by 70 armed forces across 55 countries.
Advanced variants of the 70-mm rockets are also increasingly suited for counter-drone missions, providing another potential role for the weapon system as aerial threats evolve.
