Bharat Forge’s Kalyani Strategic Systems and AM General sign landmark agreement for U.S. artillery supply

India has taken a major step toward becoming a key player in global defence exports, with Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, signing a historic Letter of Intent (LOI) with AM General at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The agreement paves the way for the supply of Indian-made advanced artillery systems to the United States, marking the first time an Indian defence manufacturer has secured such a deal.

This development comes amid a growing strategic partnership between India and the United States, particularly in defence technology and military cooperation. With this LOI, KSSL is reinforcing its position as a global artillery solutions provider, supplying battle-proven weaponry to meet modern warfare requirements. The collaboration highlights India’s evolving defence manufacturing capabilities and its increasing credibility as a supplier to Western defence forces.

What Does the Agreement Between Kalyani Strategic Systems and AM General Entail?

The LOI, signed at the prestigious IDEX 2025 defence exhibition, outlines plans for the supply of state-of-the-art artillery systems developed by KSSL. These made-in-India cannons will be deployed by the United States military, a significant milestone in the country’s defence export trajectory.

Bharat Forge’s Chairman and Managing Director, Baba Kalyani, described this agreement as a groundbreaking moment in India’s defence sector. He emphasized that KSSL’s ability to supply critical military systems to the United States demonstrates the trust and confidence placed in Indian defence manufacturers. He further stated that this deal aligns with KSSL’s broader goal of becoming a leading artillery solutions provider on the global stage.

AM General, a company known for its military vehicle platforms, has been exploring next-generation artillery solutions and previously partnered with KSSL on artillery system development. The collaboration now moves into a more strategic phase, as both firms work on integrating advanced artillery systems into AM General’s expanding portfolio.

John Chadbourne, Executive Vice President of AM General, noted that KSSL’s expertise in artillery solutions made it an ideal partner. He pointed out that this agreement strengthens Indo-U.S. defence ties, ensuring that the latest artillery technology is made available to the U.S. military. He also highlighted the technological innovation that both companies bring to the table, making this collaboration highly beneficial for modern military applications.

How Will This Partnership Strengthen Indo-U.S. Defence Cooperation?

This agreement builds on the expanding defence collaboration between India and the United States, which has gained momentum in recent years. The deal follows key bilateral discussions focused on strengthening military-industrial cooperation, with both nations actively exploring opportunities for joint development and production of defence systems.

The decision by AM General to procure artillery solutions from an Indian defence manufacturer signals a shift in global military procurement strategies. It highlights India’s ability to develop, manufacture, and supply high-end military technology to some of the world’s most advanced defence forces.

This collaboration also aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global hub for defence exports, a priority under its Make in India initiative. The increasing demand for cost-effective, battle-proven weaponry makes India a strategic choice for nations seeking diverse defence partnerships.

What Are the Capabilities of KSSL’s Advanced Artillery Systems?

KSSL has been at the forefront of developing next-generation artillery platforms, with a strong focus on precision firepower, mobility, and battlefield survivability. The company has already established itself in the global market with a portfolio that includes mounted, towed, and ultra-light gun systems ranging from 105mm to 155mm calibres.

The artillery systems being supplied to the United States are expected to incorporate cutting-edge recoil technology and advanced fire-control systems, ensuring superior accuracy and rapid deployment. These systems will likely be adapted to meet the specific operational requirements of the U.S. military, making them highly versatile for modern combat scenarios.

KSSL’s artillery platforms are already in use by multiple international forces, underscoring their battlefield reliability and performance. By supplying these advanced systems to the United States, KSSL is further validating its role as an emerging leader in global artillery solutions.

What Does This Deal Mean for India’s Defence Industry?

India’s defence manufacturing sector has been undergoing a transformation, with companies like Bharat Forge and KSSL expanding their footprint in the global market. This agreement represents a significant breakthrough, positioning India as a trusted partner for high-tech military exports.

The deal is also expected to drive further investment in research and development, enabling KSSL and Bharat Forge to push the boundaries of artillery innovation. The success of this agreement could open doors for additional collaborations, not only with the United States but also with other global defence players seeking cost-efficient, high-performance artillery solutions.

Additionally, this agreement reinforces India’s ability to compete with Western and Chinese defence manufacturers, providing a credible alternative for global military procurement. It also signals that Indian defence technology is reaching a level of competitiveness that can rival established defence giants.

What’s Next for Kalyani Strategic Systems and AM General?

As this collaboration moves forward, both companies will focus on integrating these artillery systems into U.S. military operations. Further details regarding production timelines, delivery schedules, and operational deployment are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Additionally, this LOI sets the stage for potential joint ventures and technology co-development between Bharat Forge and AM General. The partnership could expand into more advanced weapon platforms, leveraging KSSL’s manufacturing expertise and AM General’s global defence market reach.

The success of this agreement could also encourage other global defence firms to explore partnerships with Indian manufacturers, further boosting India’s credibility as a reliable exporter of military hardware.