Thales and Bharat Forge’s defence arm Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL) have signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement to co-develop and manufacture unguided and laser-guided 70-mm rocket systems in India, with the first fully India-produced rocket expected by early 2027.

This pact strengthens India-Belgium defence cooperation and supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India for the World initiatives.


Global defence major Thales and KSSL confirmed the agreement during Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s official visit to India. The 70-mm rocket systems are already operational with the Indian armed forces, and the collaboration seeks to expand indigenous production capability.

Thales will provide its expertise in 2.75-inch/70-mm rockets and launchers developed in Belgium. KSSL will leverage its local manufacturing and testing facilities, including its upcoming Energetics facility in Andhra Pradesh, to support production and integration of components sourced from Thales’ qualified supply chain.

The partnership is designed to meet domestic requirements while also supporting international opportunities. It combines Thales’ combat-proven rocket technologies and global market reach with KSSL’s strengths in defence manufacturing, system integration and industrialisation.

Thales highlighted that its 70-mm rocket solutions are used by 70 armed forces across 55 countries. These rockets can be integrated across air, land and maritime platforms, including rotary-wing aircraft such as the Advanced Light Helicopter and Light Combat Helicopter.

Advanced variants of the rockets are increasingly suited to counter-drone missions, offering scalable capabilities against asymmetric threats and evolving aerial dangers. This makes them highly relevant in the current global security environment.

The collaboration also focuses on strengthening sovereign defence capabilities through technology transfer, local value creation and skill development.

It is expected to enhance India’s operational readiness and advance its vision of self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

Ankur Kanaglekar, vice president of Thales in India, said the partnership reflects Thales’ decades-long engagement with India’s defence ecosystem. He emphasised that combining Thales’ rocket expertise from Belgium with KSSL’s engineering and manufacturing strengths will co-create capabilities that support India’s strategic ambitions.

Neelesh Tungar, CEO of KSSL, stated that the agreement lays the foundation for indigenous production of next-generation rocket systems. He noted that the collaboration positions India as a globally competitive hub for advanced defence technologies, aligned with the Make in India for the World vision.

The deal was announced alongside other Belgium-India defence industry agreements, reinforcing the broader strategic partnership between the two nations.

It builds on a decade-long relationship between Thales and KSSL and marks a significant step in deepening bilateral defence-industrial cooperation.

The first fully India-produced rocket is targeted for early 2027, signalling a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing journey. The project is expected to generate local employment, strengthen supply chains and contribute to India’s export potential in advanced rocket systems.

PTI