SOURCE: AFI
In a groundbreaking development for India’s defence industry, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), a 100% subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with AM General, USA, at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The agreement, announced on February 20, 2025, paves the way for the supply of advanced artillery cannons manufactured in India to the United States—a historic first for an Indian defence company. This milestone underscores the deepening defence ties between India and the U.S. and highlights India’s emergence as a credible player in the global defence manufacturing landscape.
The LOI marks a significant leap forward in bilateral defence collaboration, building on the momentum of recent India-U.S. strategic dialogues aimed at bolstering defence industrial cooperation. For the first time, an Indian firm will supply artillery cannons to the U.S., reversing the traditional flow of military hardware and showcasing the technological prowess of India’s private sector. KSSL, leveraging its extensive expertise in artillery systems, has partnered with AM General—a renowned U.S. leader in military vehicle platforms—to deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to modern battlefield requirements.
This agreement follows a prior collaboration between KSSL and AM General, established in 2024, to co-develop a range of next-generation artillery systems. These include mounted, towed, and ultra-light gun platforms in 105mm and 155mm calibers, designed to meet the evolving needs of armed forces worldwide. The LOI at IDEX 2025 elevates this partnership, positioning KSSL as a key supplier to the U.S. defence ecosystem and reinforcing India’s “Make in India” initiative on the global stage.
Speaking on the sidelines of IDEX 2025, Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd, hailed the agreement as a “pathbreaking” moment. “The supply of made-in-India critical defence systems to the United States is a testament to our capabilities and a major advancement in our mission to be a world-leading artillery solutions provider,” he said. “We at KSSL are proud to be the first Indian company to supply cannons to the U.S. This agreement underscores the trust and confidence that global defence leaders, such as AM General, place in us. It also reaffirms our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, battle-proven solutions.”
John Chadbourne, Executive Vice President of AM General, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic value of the partnership. “This Letter of Intent with KSSL represents an important step in expanding our collaboration,” he stated. “Given KSSL’s proven artillery capabilities and our shared commitment to technological innovation, we see tremendous potential in bringing advanced artillery solutions to the U.S. defence forces. AM General and Mandus are looking forward to exploring this collaboration with the Kalyani Group to ultimately deliver advanced mobile artillery capabilities.”
KSSL brings a wealth of experience to the table, having developed indigenous artillery systems like the Bharat-52 (155mm towed gun), the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), and ultra-light howitzers for the Indian Army. Its collaboration with AM General—a company famed for the HMMWV (Humvee) and tactical vehicle platforms—merges Indian manufacturing excellence with American design innovation. The artillery cannons slated for export are expected to include variants optimized for mobility, rapid deployment, and precision strikes, catering to the U.S. military’s demand for versatile and lightweight firepower.
The partnership also builds on AM General’s prior work with Mandus Group, a U.S. firm specializing in compact artillery systems, hinting at a tripartite synergy that could yield next-generation platforms like the 105mm Hawkeye or hybrid 155mm solutions. This collaboration aims to enhance the U.S. Army’s artillery modernization efforts, potentially integrating KSSL’s cannons into mobile artillery units for rapid-response missions.
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