Indian defense manufacturer Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) and Belgian firearms manufacturer FN Herstal announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore local defense manufacturing and industrial cooperation in India. According to the joint statement, the companies will evaluate the establishment of a dedicated production center and a joint venture to manufacture small arms, integrated weapon systems, and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions for the Indian market.
FN Herstal press release:
Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, and FN Herstal, a wholly owned subsidiary of FN Browning Group, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pursue local manufacturing and industrial cooperation in support of India’s defence requirements. The partnership brings together six decades of Indian advanced engineering and technology-led manufacturing at scale with more than 135 years of global leadership in small arms and integrated weapon systems.
Under the MoU, KSSL and FN Herstal will evaluate the establishment of a dedicated production center in India and a Strategic Alliance / Joint Venture covering a range of FN Herstal defence solutions for the Indian market, spanning small arms, integrated weapon systems and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions. The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s Make in India policy. It reflects a shared intent to build capability inside the country through local manufacturing, technology cooperation and value creation, strengthening India’s defence industrial base and deepening domestic participation in defence procurement programmes. For the Indian armed forces, this translates into long-term security of supply and greater strategic autonomy in a category of systems that is central to operational readiness.
Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd., said: “Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL) is proud to partner with FN Herstal to bring world-class technology, products, and manufacturing expertise to India. By combining FN Herstal’s globally respected portfolio and decades of experience with KSSL’s engineering excellence and industrial scale, we are creating a strong platform to deliver advanced defence solutions from India – for India and global markets. Together, we aim to support India’s defence modernisation through locally manufactured, globally leading products while strengthening indigenous capabilities and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
Mr. Julien Compere, Chief Executive Officer, FN Browning Group, said: “India is a strategic partner for FN Herstal, and we are proud to take this important step with Kalyani Strategic Systems. This agreement reflects a shared ambition: to combine FN Herstal’s proven defence solutions, trusted by the world’s most demanding armed forces, with KSSL’s outstanding industrial capabilities to help build long-term sovereign capacity for the Indian Armed Forces. Together, we are committed to supporting the objectives of Make in India through local manufacturing, technology cooperation and the development of advanced defence capabilities, creating lasting value for India, its armed forces and our two companies.”
Under the terms of the MoU, the parties will jointly explore and assess the feasibility of potential cooperation projects aimed primarily at meeting the requirements of the Indian market.