India will begin domestic production of 70-mm rocket systems in early 2027. Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, have signed an agreement that clears the way for both unguided and laser-guided 70-mm rocket systems to be manufactured in India.
The deal was signed during the Belgian state visit to India and moves a decade-long working relationship between the two companies into a production phase.
Production and Technology Transfer
Under the agreement, Thales will contribute its expertise in 2.75-inch / 70-mm rockets and launchers developed in Belgium, while KSSL will use its own manufacturing and testing facilities to produce and integrate components sourced from Thales’ qualified supply chain. The components are expected to meet international quality standards. Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice-President – India at Thales, pointed to the company’s decades-long engagement with India, saying the partnership brings together Belgian 70-mm rocket expertise with KSSL’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities, and that it will strengthen India’s operational readiness while supporting its self-reliance goals.
The agreement provides a framework for technology transfer, local production and distribution covering both unguided and laser-guided 70-mm rocket systems and associated equipment. The two companies aim to build a local supply chain and position India as a manufacturing and export hub for advanced rocket systems. KSSL’s upcoming Energetics facility in Andhra Pradesh will form part of this production base. Neelesh Tungar, CEO of Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd., said combining Thales’ proven technologies with KSSL’s industrial capabilities lays the groundwork for indigenous production of next-generation rocket systems, adding that the move will strengthen the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces and position India as a global manufacturing hub for advanced defence technologies.
Where the 70-mm Rocket Systems Are Used
Thales’ 70-mm rocket systems are currently used by 70 armed forces across 55 countries. The systems support multi-role use across air, land and maritime platforms, including rotary-wing platforms such as the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-WSI) and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The company notes that advanced variants of the rockets are also suited to counter-drone missions. The collaboration is aimed at building sovereign defence capability in India through technology transfer, local value creation and skill development, and the two sides say it will also reinforce the broader India-Belgium defence partnership.
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Source: C4Defence– Thales
