Bharat Forge: Thales Partnership Boosts Defence

s wholly owned defence subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), has signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement with France’s Thales to establish an advanced industrial capability for 70-mm rocket systems in India. The collaboration will cover both unguided and laser-guided variants, with the objective of serving Indian defence requirements as well as global export markets. The partnership combines Thales’ combat-proven rocket technology with KSSL’s engineering, manufacturing, integration and testing capabilities. It also provides a framework for technology transfer, local production and distribution, supporting the development of a stronger domestic supply chain for advanced rocket systems. The 70-mm rockets are already in use by the Indian Armed Forces, adding strategic relevance to the localisation effort.