Pune based Kalyani Group showcased its wide range of indigenous solutions at Lucknow. Three new artillery platforms unveiled by them at the show included MarG Extended Range, which is a 155mm/52 cal Ultra-Light Howitzer; Garuda-105 V2, which is a 105mm gun mounted on their own “Go Anywhere Vehicle”; and 4x4 MGS, which is a 155mm/39 cal gun system mounted on a 4x4 platform. All three gun platforms and the “Go Anywhere Vehicle” have been indigenously designed and developed by Kalyani Group incorporating niche and advanced technologies. Visitors to Kalyani Stall could see the ‘Kalyani M4’, which is a 4x4 armoured protected fighting vehicle that can provide side blast protection against 50 kgs of TNT explosives- the highest in its class. Another exciting product on display was the 6x6 ECARS, which is a UGV developed by the group which offers enhanced collision avoidance system, threat analysis and missions planning.
Kalyani Group announced its progressive growth plans by partnering with global defence technology and manufacturing companies to create indigenous products and promote ‘Make in India’ initiative. Below are the details on some of the MoU’s signed:
Bharat Forge Ltd (BFL), Kalyani Group’s flagship company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with General Atomics, USA. Under the terms of the MoU, BFL and General Atomics’ Electromagnetic Systems Group (GA-EMS) will investigate opportunities to develop and integrate power generation, storage, control and distribution technologies related to surface and undersea naval platforms, and advanced projectiles for weapon system platforms to address Indian defence requirements.
Bharat Forge Ltd., signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dastan Corp., Kyrgyzstan, engaged in development of torpedoes with advanced homing heads for shipborne and submarine platforms, used by Indian Navy. Both firms are coming together for joint upgradation of CET-65E torpedoes.
Bharat Forge Ltd and Paramount Group announced the signing of a strategic, high level collaboration agreement to set up a joint venture to combine the technologies, capabilities and expertise of both groups in the industrialisation and indigenisation of defence and aerospace systems.
Bharat Forge and Thales joined hands to develop the F90 rifles which will serve the defence and law enforcement sectors in India and abroad. This cooperation is a testament to the “Make in India” initiative of the Indian government and paves the way to a potential licensing agreement.
Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL), Defence Arm of Kalyani Group and Arsenal Joint Stock Company, Bulgaria signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a strategic alliance in India for manufacturing small arms and ammunition. KSSL and Arsenal will be ‘aggressively’ developing a manufacturing capability in India for the “AR” 7.62 x 39mm Assault Rifle and “MG” 7.62 x 51mm Machine Gun series.