Thales, Kalyani to explore 70 mm rocket co-production in India
A Thales 70 mm LGR incorporating a semi-active laser seeker and control canards for precision engagement of point targets. (Thales)
India's Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), has signed an agreement with Thales to collaborate on the production of the French company's 70 mm rockets in India.
Under the partnership agreement announced on 3 September, the companies intend to explore opportunities to jointly manufacture unguided and laser-guided variants of the rockets in India. These include the FZ275 laser-guided rocket (LGR) and FZ90 unguided Folding Fin Aircraft Rocket (FFAR).
Under the agreement, Thales will provide expertise in 2.75-inch/70 mm rockets and launchers developed in Belgium. KSSL will use its manufacturing and testing facilities in India to support production and integrate components from Thales' supply chain, the companies said.
The FZ275 rocket has been in service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force since the 2010s. The rocket is deployed on the Rudra armed helicopter and the Prachand light combat helicopter, both manufactured by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Thales previously entered agreements with other Indian companies to explore the production of 70 mm rocket systems in India. These included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adani Defence and Aerospace in 2024 and an agreement with state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in 2023. The status of these initiatives is unclear, and it is not known whether either has resulted in the establishment of a production line.
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