SOURCE: AFI
In a significant boost to India’s defense industrial landscape, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, is set to unveil a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Jejuri, near Pune. This new plant, slated to become operational soon, will have the capacity to produce 250-300 artillery guns and over 1,000 military vehicles annually, positioning KSSL as a powerhouse in the global defense market and reinforcing India’s push toward self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Located just 40 kilometers from Pune, Jejuri is emerging as a hub for KSSL’s defense operations, consolidating the company’s diverse defense portfolio under one roof. This sprawling facility is designed to meet both domestic and international demand for advanced artillery systems and military vehicles, reflecting KSSL’s ambition to scale up production and compete with the world’s leading defense manufacturers. With an annual capacity of 250-300 artillery guns—equivalent to nearly one gun per day—the plant will rank as the second-largest artillery producer globally by volume, trailing only China’s state-owned NORINCO.
The facility’s ability to churn out over 1,000 vehicles annually further underscores its versatility. These vehicles will range from protected mobility solutions, such as the KSSL-developed Light Strike Vehicle (LSV), to specialized platforms tailored for India’s diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions and Naxal-affected zones. This dual-purpose production line highlights KSSL’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of modern armed forces, both in India and abroad.
The plant’s advanced infrastructure, including Vertical Machining Centers (VMCs) with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and specialized alloy production capabilities, will ensure precision and scalability. KSSL has also emphasized flexibility, noting that the facility’s “manufacturing ecosystem” is structured to exceed its baseline capacity of 250-300 guns and 1,000+ vehicles if demand surges—a likely scenario given the global appetite for artillery amid ongoing conflicts and modernization drives.
The Jejuri plant aligns perfectly with India’s broader defense goals. In FY24, India’s defense production reached ?747.39 billion ($9 billion), with exports hitting ?210.83 billion ($2.5 billion)—a 32.5% increase from the previous year. The Ministry of Defense aims to triple production to ?3 trillion and double exports to ?500 billion by FY29, and KSSL’s new facility will play a pivotal role in achieving these targets. With its order books already full for the next three years—thanks to domestic contracts and export deals worth $155.5 million—the company is poised to capitalize on this momentum.
KSSL’s Jejuri facility isn’t just about meeting India’s needs—it’s a launchpad for global ambitions. The company’s recent Letter of Intent (LOI) with U.S.-based AM General at IDEX 2025 marks a historic milestone: the first-ever supply of Indian-made artillery cannons to the United States. This deal, alongside export orders to Middle Eastern nations (like the $155 million contract for 155mm guns in 2022), underscores KSSL’s growing reputation as a reliable supplier of advanced weaponry.
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