India is moving closer to expanding its domestic precision-weapons manufacturing capability following a new agreement between French defence technology major Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the defence arm of Bharat Forge. The two companies have signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement to establish an industrial base in India for the production of 70-mm rocket systems.
The planned cooperation will focus on manufacturing both conventional unguided rockets and more advanced laser-guided variants. The agreement is expected to combine Thales’ experience in rocket technology with KSSL’s established capabilities in defence manufacturing, engineering and system integration.
The 70-mm rocket family is designed for use across multiple military platforms and can support operations against a range of battlefield targets. The systems can be integrated with air, land and naval platforms, making them relevant to the evolving operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
A major objective of the partnership is to develop an Indian production ecosystem rather than relying entirely on overseas manufacturing. The companies are targeting the production of the first fully assembled rocket in India by early 2027. Local manufacturing could subsequently support greater domestic participation in the supply chain, including the production and integration of components and associated systems.
The partnership also has potential significance for India’s counter-drone requirements. Modern battlefields are seeing increasing use of unmanned aerial systems, creating demand for weapons capable of engaging such threats. Laser-guided 70-mm rockets offer a precision-oriented option that can potentially be adapted for a variety of tactical missions, including engagements involving unmanned platforms.
For KSSL, the agreement adds another advanced weapons capability to its expanding defence portfolio. The company has been increasing its focus on ammunition, artillery and missile-related systems as India encourages private-sector participation in defence production. The collaboration with Thales could further strengthen KSSL’s position within India’s growing military-industrial ecosystem.
For Thales, establishing manufacturing capabilities with an Indian defence company provides a pathway to deepen its industrial presence in the country while potentially supporting future exports. India’s expanding defence manufacturing base and its emphasis on producing equipment for international markets have created new opportunities for global defence companies to establish local partnerships.
The agreement also aligns with India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India objectives, which seek to increase domestic production of military equipment and reduce dependence on imported defence systems. Building local expertise in rocket manufacturing could contribute to the wider development of India’s ammunition and precision-weapons supply chain.
The planned early-2027 production milestone will be closely watched as the two companies move from the agreement stage towards industrialisation. If successfully implemented, the programme could become another example of how international defence technology and Indian manufacturing capabilities are being combined to create locally produced military systems.
The Thales-KSSL partnership therefore represents a significant development for India’s defence industry, particularly as the country continues to expand indigenous capabilities in advanced weapons, ammunition and military technology.
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