Bharat Forge’s KSSL Partners with AM General for Artillery Systems

Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), the wholly owned defense subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, has solidified a multi-party strategic partnership with U.S.-based defense leaders AM General and Mandus Group LLC. The collaboration focuses on the co-development and co-production of advanced artillery gun platforms featuring proprietary "soft recoil" technology to meet the evolving demands of modern, highly mobile warfare.

This partnership is designed to equip global armies with compact, lightweight, and ruggedized 105mm and 155mm artillery systems. These next-generation platforms are engineered for rapid deployment, enhanced lethality, and operational flexibility across diverse terrains, ranging from urban environments to mountainous regions.

Strategic Objectives and Tactical Advantage

The joint effort leverages KSSL’s extensive expertise in metallurgical engineering and artillery design alongside the advanced soft recoil technology held by Mandus Group. By integrating these systems onto highly mobile platforms provided by AM General, the partners intend to offer a "shoot-and-scoot" capability. This allows units to fire accurately and relocate swiftly before they become vulnerable to counter-battery fire from adversaries.

According to regulatory filings and official press releases from the companies, the platforms are intended to optimize crew size and logistical requirements. The modular nature of the 105mm and 155mm howitzers allows for significant tactical mobility, making them ideal for rapid-response and expeditionary forces that require heavy firepower without the burden of traditional, heavier tracked systems.

Global Export and Defense Cooperation

The collaboration follows a Letter of Intent (LOI) signed between KSSL and AM General at the IDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in India-U.S. defense industrial cooperation. Under this arrangement, KSSL has positioned itself to become a key supplier of "Made in India" advanced artillery cannons for the U.S. defense forces, including a proposed entry for the U.S. Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program, with potential deliveries projected for 2027.

Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, emphasized that the partnership underscores India’s growing footprint as a reliable exporter of high-tech defense systems. “Bharat Forge is rapidly emerging as a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced artillery platforms for the world markets,” he noted in a statement.

Impact on Defense Infrastructure

For modern armed forces, this partnership addresses a critical need for mobile artillery that can operate in infrastructure-constrained environments. The ability to produce and sustain these weapon systems closer to the theater of operations is a key value proposition that the KSSL-AM General alliance aims to deliver.

Official Sources

The partnership details have been confirmed through official filings with the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and press documentation provided by AM General. KSSL serves as the primary defense vehicle for the Kalyani Group, handling artillery, protected vehicles, and aerospace solutions.

Why It Matters

This collaboration represents a significant step in the strengthening of bilateral defense ties between India and the United States. By co-developing artillery solutions, the companies are not only addressing immediate procurement needs but are also building a robust supply chain that supports the "Make in India" initiative while integrating Indian defense manufacturing into global strategic networks.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Partnership Entities: KSSL (India), AM General (USA), and Mandus Group LLC (USA).

• Technology Focus: Next-gen 105mm and 155mm artillery platforms using advanced soft recoil technology.

• Strategic Goal: Co-development and co-production of mobile, lightweight artillery for U.S. and global armies.

• Program Target: Includes participation in the U.S. Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program.

• Strategic Significance: First-ever supply of cannons from an Indian defense manufacturer to the U.S. military.

FAQ

What is the core technology behind these new artillery systems?

The systems utilize unique "soft recoil" technology developed by Mandus Group, which allows for significantly lighter and more mobile weapon platforms compared to traditional artillery.

Which markets is this partnership targeting?

The collaboration is focused on the U.S. Army's specific mobile artillery requirements and broader global markets seeking rapid-response, expeditionary firepower.

What is the status of the "Made in India" artillery supply to the U.S.?

KSSL signed an LOI at IDEX 2025 to supply advanced cannons to the U.S., marking a milestone in defense industrial cooperation between the two nations.

Source: Bharat Forge, AM General, NSE India