Indian Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) signed strategic partnership agreement with European giant Thales. Goal of such cooperation will be creating in India production of unguided and guided 70mm rockets, which already shoot down drones in Ukraine.
According to Thales announcement, document provides framework for further technology transfer, local production and supply. At same time planned is deploying powerful domestic supply chain and transforming India into strategic manufacturing and export hub for advanced missile systems.
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Expected is first 70mm rocket fully assembled by Indian industry will be produced already in early 2027. European company emphasizes this weapons is capable of performing wide task spectrum, including shooting down drones, and can be used from Indian HAL Rudra and Prachand attack helicopters.
Defense Express notes overall localization is logical choice, as 70mm rockets in guided and especially unguided variants will be used in large quantities. Therefore capability to independently replenish ammunition must exist.
Recall Thales plans to deploy in Ukraine as well production of such rockets in guided variants with laser guidance for intercepting drones. However despite signing agreements back in 2024, so far no news about this exists.
Belgian 70mm rockets serve as analog of American APKWS and among everything can be used both from Vampire SAM system and even from Rafale fighters, which also serve in Indian air forces and navy.
Thales Belgium repeatedly assured Ukrainian military uses their 70mm laser-guided rockets like FZ275 LGR for shooting down drones together with launchers for them. However so far they have not been spotted in publicly available footage.
Currently company actively works on increasing its rocket production volumes manifold, moreover not only for Ukrainian and European needs but also for export. Deploying production in India could relieve part of production capacities for other contracts. Moreover globally this should not prevent making such ammunition in Ukraine as well.
Regarding India, this is not its first Thales laser-guided missile production localization project. Specifically in 2023 state Indian Bharat Dynamics Ltd signed contract for StarStreak MANPADS procurement with localization, and in 2025 — for LMM (Martlet) missiles.
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