Thales-KSSL Deal: Bharat Forge’s defence arm Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) has joined hands with Thales to make advanced 70mm rocket systems in India. The two companies signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement during the Belgian state visit to India on September 3, 2026.
The deal will cover both unguided and laser-guided 70mm rockets. These systems are already being used by the Indian Armed Forces. The partnership is also aimed at building an Indian production base for these weapons and creating opportunities to sell them in other countries.
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What will Bharat Forge and Thales Do?
Thales will bring its experience in 2.75-inch or 70mm rocket technology. Its Belgian operations have developed the rocket and launcher systems. KSSL will use its manufacturing, integration and testing facilities in India to support local production.
The companies also plan to build a stronger local supply chain. The first fully assembled 70mm rocket made in India is targeted for early 2027. The agreement also supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India goals. More production inside the country can help reduce the need to depend on foreign supplies and can also create more local skills and manufacturing work.
Thales and Kalyani Partnership
The new project is not only about assembling rockets. It is expected to help India build more knowledge in advanced weapons production, testing and system integration. KSSL is a wholly owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge. It works across areas such as artillery, ammunition, protected vehicles, marine systems and unmanned platforms. The company will also use its upcoming Energetics facility in Andhra Pradesh as part of its wider defence manufacturing plans.
This can also support India’s defence exports. The companies want the new capability to serve both Indian requirements and international customers. Thales said its 70mm systems are trusted by 70 armed forces across 55 countries.
Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice-President – India, Thales: “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.”
What are Thales’ 70mm Rockets?
Thales makes both standard unguided rockets and laser-guided versions. The systems can be used from air, land and maritime platforms. They can also be integrated with rotary-wing aircraft such as India’s Advanced Light Helicopter and Light Combat Helicopter.
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The rockets are also becoming useful in counter-drone missions. Thales says advanced versions can be used against changing aerial threats, including drone threats on modern battlefields.
Technology Transfer
Technology transfer and local value creation are key parts of the deal. Indian engineers and manufacturers will get greater exposure to the technology and production process.
Thales India Vice-President Ankur Kanaglekar said: “By combining our combat-proven 70mm rocket expertise from Belgium with KSSL’s engineering and manufacturing strengths, we are co-creating capabilities.”
Bharat Forge-Thales Rocket Deal
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Companies | Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited |
| Parent company | Bharat Forge |
| System | 70mm rocket systems |
| Variants | Unguided and laser-guided |
| Production | India |
| First India-made rocket | Early 2027 target |
| Main goals | Local production, technology transfer and exports |
The agreement also adds another layer to growing India-Belgium defence cooperation. It gives India a chance to become a stronger manufacturing and export base for advanced rocket systems while improving domestic defence supply chains.
