Key Announcement
Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FN Herstal, a wholly owned subsidiary of FN Browning Group, to pursue local manufacturing and industrial cooperation in support of India's defence requirements.
Partnership Details
- The MoU was signed on September 3, 2026
- Focus areas include small arms, integrated weapon systems, and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions
- The partnership combines KSSL's six decades of advanced engineering with FN Herstal's 135+ years of global leadership in small arms
- FN Herstal reported revenue exceeding EUR 1 billion in 2025
Planned Cooperation
Under the MoU, the parties will evaluate:
- Establishment of a dedicated production center in India
- Strategic Alliance/Joint Venture covering FN Herstal defence solutions for Indian market
- Technology cooperation and local manufacturing initiatives
Strategic Alignment
The initiative is aligned with the Government of India's Make in India policy and aims to:
- Build capability inside India through local manufacturing
- Strengthen India's defence industrial base
- Deepen domestic participation in defence procurement programmes
- Provide long-term security of supply for Indian armed forces
- Enhance strategic autonomy in critical defence systems
Management Commentary
Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director, 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. We are creating a strong platform to deliver advanced defence solutions from India - for India and global markets."
Mr. Julien Compere, Chief Executive Officer, FN Browning Group stated: "India is a strategic partner for FN Herstal. This agreement reflects a shared ambition to combine FN Herstal's proven defence solutions with KSSL's outstanding industrial capabilities to help build long-term sovereign capacity for the Indian Armed Forces."
Next Steps
The parties will jointly explore and assess the feasibility of potential cooperation projects aimed primarily at meeting the requirements of the Indian market.
About the Companies
Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL)
- Wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited
- Drives defence business of Kalyani Group
- Expertise in artillery systems, armoured vehicles, small arms, ammunition, marine systems, and unmanned platforms
- Operates across land, marine and unmanned domains
FN Herstal
- Headquartered in Herstal, Belgium
- Defence and security arm of FN Browning Group
- World leader in small calibre weapons, ammunition and integrated weapon systems
- Founded in 1889
- Operates production sites across NATO and EU countries