Thales, Kalyani Strategic Systems sign pact for 70-mm rocket systems
NEW DELHI : Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge, signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement during the Belgian state visit to India to explore collaboration on 70-mm rocket systems.
The agreement covers both unguided and laser-guided variants of Thales’ 70-mm rocket systems, which are already in use by the Indian Armed Forces, the companies said on Tuesday.
Under the alliance, Thales will contribute technology for its 2.75-inch/70-mm rockets and launchers developed in Belgium, while KSSL will use its local manufacturing and testing facilities to support production and integration of components from Thales’ qualified supply chain.
Thales said its 70-mm solutions are used by 70 armed forces across 55 countries and support multi-role missions across air, land and maritime domains, including integration on rotary-wing platforms such as the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-WSI) and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The company said advanced variants are suited for counter-drone missions.
“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,” Ankur Kanaglekar, vice president for India at Thales, said.
Neelesh Tungar, chief executive of KSSL, said the partnership would lay the foundation for indigenous production of next-generation rocket systems at its industrial ecosystem, including its upcoming energetics facility in Andhra Pradesh.
The companies said the collaboration would focus on technology transfer, local value creation and skill development, and would address domestic requirements and international opportunities.
The partnership comes as India pushes to build domestic defence manufacturing capacity under its Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
KSSL, wholly owned by Bharat Forge, designs and manufactures artillery systems, armoured vehicles, small arms, ammunition and marine and unmanned platforms.
Thales, which has been present in India since 1953, employs more than 2,400 people in the country through its operations and joint ventures. The French group reported sales of 22.1 billion euros in 2025 and invests 4.5 billion euros annually in research and development, it said.
Thales Belgium, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thales Group with 800 employees, is a European leader in 70-mm rocket systems, according to the company.
