Thales, Kalyani Sign Pact to Make 70-mm Rocket Systems

Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems partner to manufacture 70-mm rocket systems in India, strengthening domestic defence production, technology collaboration, supply-chain localisation and opportunities for future exports.

Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge, sign a Strategic Alliance Agreement to explore the manufacture of Thales’ 70-mm rocket systems in India. The partnership covers both unguided and laser-guided variants and strengthens India’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

The agreement marks an important step in India-France and India-Belgium defence industrial cooperation. Thales provides technical expertise through its Belgian operations, while KSSL brings local manufacturing, integration and testing capabilities. The collaboration is designed to establish an advanced industrial base in India for the production of the rocket systems.

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Thales’ 70-mm rocket systems are already used by the Indian Armed Forces. The company offers both guided and unguided variants designed for deployment from air, ground and naval platforms. Its portfolio also includes solutions suited to counter-uncrewed aerial systems, reflecting the growing importance of short-range precision capabilities in modern warfare.

Under the partnership, Indian suppliers are expected to participate in the production ecosystem, supporting greater localisation of the supply chain. The first fully assembled rocket manufactured in India is expected in early 2027. The arrangement also creates potential opportunities for India to serve as a manufacturing base for international orders, strengthening the country's position in the global defence supply chain.

The collaboration aligns with the government's broader push for Make in India and greater self-reliance in defence production. By combining Thales’ established rocket-system technology with KSSL’s manufacturing capabilities, the partnership supports domestic production while creating opportunities for technology development, industrial participation and exports.

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The agreement comes alongside a broader expansion of India-Belgium defence cooperation. During Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s visit to India, the two countries advance several defence-industrial arrangements covering areas including naval mine-countermeasure systems, ammunition, rockets, electro-optics and counter-drone technologies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlights defence and security cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations.

For KSSL and Thales, the agreement provides a platform to deepen industrial collaboration while responding to India's growing demand for locally manufactured defence systems. For India, it represents another move towards developing indigenous production capacity for critical military equipment and integrating domestic suppliers into international defence value chains.