Bharat Forge Limited, through its subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with FN Herstal to explore local manufacturing of small arms and counter-UAS capabilities in India. This strategic alliance aims to leverage FN Herstal’s global expertise with KSSL’s manufacturing prowess, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and strengthening domestic defence production.
Strategic Defence Partnership Announced
Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FN Herstal, a subsidiary of FN Browning Group. The agreement focuses on pursuing local manufacturing and industrial cooperation to meet India’s defence requirements.
Focus on Small Arms and Counter-UAS Capabilities
Under the MoU, KSSL and FN Herstal will jointly evaluate the feasibility of establishing a dedicated production center in India. The partnership will also explore a Strategic Alliance or Joint Venture to cover a range of FN Herstal’s defence solutions, including small arms, integrated weapon systems, and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions. This initiative is directly aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ policy.
Leveraging Global and Local Expertise
The collaboration aims to combine FN Herstal’s over 135 years of global leadership in defence systems with KSSL’s six decades of Indian advanced engineering and technology-led manufacturing expertise. This synergy is expected to build domestic capability, enhance the Indian defence industrial base, and deepen local participation in defence procurement programs. The partnership seeks to provide the Indian armed forces with long-term security of supply and greater strategic autonomy in critical systems.
Quotes from Leadership
Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd., stated, “Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL) is proud to partner with FN Herstal to bring world-class technology, products, and manufacturing expertise to India.” He added that the combined strengths would create a strong platform to deliver advanced defence solutions from India for both domestic and global markets, supporting India’s defence modernization and the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Mr. Julien Compere, Chief Executive Officer of FN Browning Group, commented, “India is a strategic partner for FN Herstal, and we are proud to take this important step with Kalyani Strategic Systems.” He highlighted the shared ambition to combine FN Herstal’s proven defence solutions with KSSL’s industrial capabilities to build long-term sovereign capacity for the Indian Armed Forces.
Future Exploration
The parties will jointly explore and assess the feasibility of potential cooperation projects primarily aimed at meeting the requirements of the Indian market. This partnership signifies a significant step towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
Source: BSE
