India and Belgium Forge Unbreakable Bond in Defence Manufacturing
India Defence & Aerospace Indigenisation Summit 2026
Accelerating private defense manufacturing, UAV innovation, and strategic aerospace corridors.
Explore Strategic Intel →India's defence capabilities have taken a significant leap forward with the signing of a Strategic Alliance Agreement between Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL). This partnership marks a major milestone in strengthening India-Belgium defence cooperation, advancing India's ambition to become a globally competitive defence manufacturing hub.
The collaboration brings together Thales' advanced rocket technologies and global market reach with KSSL's established expertise in defence manufacturing, system integration, and industrialisation. By combining their strengths, the companies aim to create an indigenous capability to address domestic requirements and support international opportunities.
Thales, a trusted partner of 70 armed forces across 55 countries, will leverage its long-standing partnership with India and contribute its global expertise in 2.75-inch / 70-mm rockets and launchers developed in Belgium. KSSL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, will utilise its local manufacturing and testing facilities to support production and integration of components from Thales' qualified supply chain, ensuring international quality standards.
India Defence & Aerospace Indigenisation Summit 2026
Accelerating private defense manufacturing, UAV innovation, and strategic aerospace corridors.
Explore Strategic Intel →This strategic alliance reflects both companies' commitment to developing sovereign defence capabilities in India through technology transfer, local value creation, and skill development. It also reinforces India's growing role as a trusted partner in the global defence supply chain, supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India for the World.
The partnership has far-reaching implications for India's defence sector. By creating an indigenous capability to produce advanced rocket systems, India can reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance its operational readiness. The collaboration also paves the way for India to become a globally competitive hub for advanced defence technologies, creating new opportunities for local industries and skilled workers.
Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice-President – India, Thales, believes that this collaboration is a testament to Thales' deep and long-standing engagement with the local defence ecosystem. Neelesh Tungar, CEO, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd., sees this partnership as a foundation for indigenous production of next-generation rocket systems, advancing the vision of 'Make in India for the World.'
The collaboration between Thales and KSSL is a significant step towards achieving India's defence ambitions. By leveraging each other's strengths, the companies can create a robust and sustainable defence ecosystem that benefits both India and Belgium. As the partnership progresses, we can expect to see significant advancements in India's defence capabilities, making the country a more formidable player in the global defence landscape.
A New Era of Defence Cooperation
The India-Belgium defence partnership is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaborative efforts. By working together, India and Belgium can create a robust and sustainable defence ecosystem that benefits both countries.
Advancing India's Defence Ambitions
The partnership between Thales and KSSL is a significant step towards achieving India's defence ambitions. By leveraging each other's strengths, the companies can create a robust and sustainable defence ecosystem that benefits both India and Belgium.
The Future of Defence Manufacturing
The collaboration between Thales and KSSL marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards becoming a globally competitive defence manufacturing hub. By creating an indigenous capability to produce advanced rocket systems, India can reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance its operational readiness.
Key Takeaways
- The partnership between Thales and KSSL marks a significant step in strengthening India-Belgium defence cooperation.
- The collaboration aims to create an indigenous capability to address domestic requirements and support international opportunities.
- The partnership reflects both companies' commitment to developing sovereign defence capabilities in India through technology transfer, local value creation, and skill development.
- The collaboration has far-reaching implications for India's defence sector, enhancing operational readiness and creating new opportunities for local industries and skilled workers.
- The partnership paves the way for India to become a globally competitive hub for advanced defence technologies, creating new opportunities for local industries and skilled workers.
- The collaboration between Thales and KSSL is a significant step towards achieving India's defence ambitions, making the country a more formidable player in the global defence landscape.
India Defence & Aerospace Indigenisation Summit 2026
Accelerating private defense manufacturing, UAV innovation, and strategic aerospace corridors.
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