Bharat Forge arm KSSL, FN Herstal join hands to build small arms, counter-UAS systems in India

Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL), the wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd., and Belgium-based FN Herstal have joined hands to explore local manufacturing of small arms, integrated weapon systems and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions in India.

The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to evaluate setting up a dedicated production centre in India and a potential strategic alliance or joint venture covering FN Herstal’s defence portfolio. The partnership is aimed at building domestic manufacturing capabilities, facilitating technology cooperation and creating greater value within India’s defence industrial ecosystem.

KSSL to leverage FN Herstal’s global defence portfolio

Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Bharat Forge, said the partnership would combine FN Herstal’s technology, products and global experience with KSSL’s engineering capabilities and industrial scale.

“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,” Kalyani said.

He said the collaboration would support India’s defence modernisation through locally manufactured products while strengthening indigenous capabilities and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Under the MoU, the two companies will jointly explore and assess the feasibility of potential cooperation projects primarily aimed at meeting the requirements of the Indian market. The proposed areas include small arms, integrated weapon systems and C-UAS solutions.

FN Herstal brings over 135 years of expertise

Julien Compere, Chief Executive Officer, FN Browning Group, said India is a strategic partner for FN Herstal and the agreement with KSSL represents a step towards building long-term sovereign defence capacity for the Indian armed forces.

FN Herstal, headquartered in Herstal, Belgium, is the defence and security arm of FN Browning Group and specialises in the design, development and manufacture of small-calibre weapons, ammunition and integrated weapon systems for armed forces and law enforcement agencies.

Founded in 1889, FN Herstal has more than 135 years of experience and its portfolio today extends from individual small arms to crew-served and remotely operated weapon stations, precision systems and counter-UAS capabilities.

Tie-up strengthens India’s defence manufacturing push

For KSSL, the partnership brings together its more than six decades of experience in design, engineering, metallurgy and advanced manufacturing with FN Herstal’s established expertise in small arms and integrated weapon systems.

KSSL drives the defence business of the Kalyani Group and has capabilities spanning artillery systems, armoured and protected vehicles, small arms, ammunition, marine systems and unmanned platforms.

The proposed production centre and potential joint venture are aligned with the government’s Make in India policy and are intended to deepen local manufacturing, technology cooperation and domestic participation in defence procurement programmes.

FN Browning Group operates production sites across NATO and European Union countries and reported revenue of more than EUR 1 billion in 2025. The companies said the proposed cooperation would also support security of supply and greater strategic autonomy for the Indian armed forces.