Bharat Forge arm KSSL joins hands with AM General; eyes US Army artillery programme and global defence exports
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Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), the defence arm of Bharat Forge Ltd, has entered into a strategic partnership with U.S.-based AM General to jointly develop and market mounted artillery gun systems for militaries worldwide, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to expand its footprint in the global defence export market.
The alliance, announced at the Eurosatory defence exhibition in Paris, will combine KSSL’s artillery technology with AM General’s expertise in military mobility platforms to offer next-generation mounted gun systems designed for rapid deployment and enhanced battlefield survivability. T
he companies said the collaboration is aimed at addressing the evolving requirements of modern armies seeking mobile, rugged and all-weather 155mm artillery capabilities.
Amit Kalyani, vice chairman and joint managing director of Bharat Forge, said the partnership reflects confidence in KSSL’s advanced artillery capabilities and its ability to deliver combat-proven solutions for modern warfare requirements.
“Our partnership with AM General is underscored by trust in our advanced artillery capabilities, and confidence in our commitment to delivering leading-edge and combat-proven solutions that meet modern warfare requirements,” Kalyani said.
Targets US Army’s mobile tactical cannon programme
As part of the partnership, AM General has submitted a proposal to participate in the U.S. Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) programme using KSSL’s Mounted Artillery Gun (MArG) platform. The proposal envisages the development and delivery of a 155mm artillery solution based on the Indian company’s existing platform architecture, with deliveries planned in 2027 if the programme advances to the next stage.
The MTC programme is viewed as a key opportunity in the global artillery market as armed forces increasingly seek highly mobile long-range firepower capable of rapid deployment across diverse combat environments.
John Chadbourne, president and chief executive officer of AM General, said the collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to supporting allied militaries through advanced battlefield technologies.
“Working with KSSL signifies our mutual commitment to support our allies and, ultimately, the Warfighter. By integrating the patented soft recoil technology to their state-of-the-art and mature platforms, we will be delivering truly groundbreaking capabilities that can provide an advantage on the evolving battlefield,” Chadbourne said.
Mounted artillery platform at the core
KSSL’s MArG platform is equipped with a 52-calibre 155mm cannon integrated with the company’s patented Soft Recoil Technology (SRT), automated load-assist systems and an advanced all-weather fire-control suite. The system can fire standard high-explosive projectiles beyond 40 kilometres and carries more than 20 projectiles and propellant charges onboard.
According to the company, the recoil mitigation technology absorbs significantly higher recoil forces than conventional artillery systems, allowing for a lighter vehicle architecture while improving mobility and reducing wear on the weapons platform.