New Delhi: Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the wholly-owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, have signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement to establish an advanced industrial capability for 70-mm Rocket Systems in India.
The agreement was signed during the Belgian state visit to India and builds on the companies’ decade-long relationship and India’s Make in India vision.
The strategic partnership will combine Thales’ combat-proven rocket technologies with KSSL’s advanced manufacturing, integration and testing capabilities to address both Indian and global requirements for 70-mm Rocket Systems.
The alliance provides a framework for technology transfer, local production and distribution of both unguided and laser-guided 70-mm Rocket Systems, along with associated equipment.
The collaboration also aims to develop a robust local supply chain and position India as a strategic manufacturing and export hub for advanced rocket systems.
The first fully assembled rocket produced in India is targeted for early 2027.
Thales-KSSL Partnership for 70-mm Rocket Systems
Under the Strategic Alliance Agreement, Thales and KSSL will explore collaboration on both unguided and laser-guided variants of Thales’ 70-mm Rocket Systems, which are already in use by the Indian Armed Forces.
The partnership marks a step in strengthening India-Belgium defence cooperation while advancing India’s ambition to become a globally competitive defence manufacturing hub.
By combining Thales’ advanced rocket technologies and global market reach with KSSL’s established expertise in defence manufacturing, system integration and industrialisation, the companies will create an indigenous capability to address domestic requirements and support international opportunities.
As part of the collaboration, Thales will leverage its long-standing partnership with India and contribute its global expertise in 2.75-inch / 70-mm rockets and launchers developed in Belgium.
KSSL, meanwhile, will utilise its local manufacturing and testing facilities to support the production and integration of components from Thales’ qualified supply chain, while ensuring international quality standards for 70-mm Rocket Systems.
Thales Highlights India Defence Collaboration
Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice-President – India, Thales, said: “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.”
The collaboration will support the development of indigenous capabilities for 70-mm Rocket Systems while bringing together Thales’ technology expertise and KSSL’s engineering, manufacturing and testing capabilities in India.
KSSL Focuses on Indigenous Rocket Production
Neelesh Tungar, CEO, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd., said: “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.”
The upcoming Energetics facility in Andhra Pradesh will form part of KSSL’s industrial ecosystem supporting the indigenous production of next-generation 70-mm Rocket Systems.
70-mm Rocket Systems for Multiple Platforms
Thales’ 70-mm Rocket Systems are trusted by 70 armed forces across 55 countries. The company’s 70-mm solutions support multi-role mission flexibility and multi-platform integration across air, land and maritime domains.
The systems can be integrated with rotary-wing platforms such as the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-WSI) and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), helping enhance operational readiness and combat superiority.
Advanced variants of Thales’ 70-mm Rocket Systems are also increasingly suited to counter-drone missions in the new era of asymmetric warfare, delivering reliable and scalable effectiveness against evolving aerial threats.
India-Belgium Defence Cooperation
The strategic alliance between Thales and KSSL reflects both companies’ commitment to developing sovereign defence capabilities in India through technology transfer, local value creation and skill development.
The partnership involving 70-mm Rocket Systems also reinforces India’s growing role as a trusted partner in the global defence supply chain.
The collaboration supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India for the World, while also reinforcing the broader India-Belgium defence partnership.
Through the agreement, Thales and KSSL will work towards technology transfer, local production and the development of an indigenous industrial capability for 70-mm Rocket Systems in India.
The initiative is also intended to support domestic requirements as well as international opportunities and strengthen India’s position in the global defence manufacturing ecosystem.
