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Kalyani Exports 100 Artillery Guns Reinforcing India's Position as Major Arms Exporter.
In 2024, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd., exported 100 artillery guns worldwide, marking a key development in its expansion. This achievement highlights the company’s industrial capabilities and its growing presence in the global defense market. It aligns with India’s broader efforts to establish itself as a recognized producer of high-quality defense systems tailored to modern operational requirements.
The MArG 155-BR by Kalyani is a 155mm/39-caliber mobile artillery system mounted on a high-mobility 4x4 all-terrain chassis (Picture source: Army Recognition)
As part of this expansion, KSSL signed a strategic agreement with AM General to supply advanced artillery systems to the United States. This deal concluded at IDEX 2025, represents a significant step in defense cooperation between India and the U.S., marking the first export of Indian artillery systems to the country. The agreement includes the delivery of mounted, towed, and ultra-light gun systems in 105mm and 155mm calibers, reinforcing India’s position as a reliable supplier of defense technology.
Among the systems covered in this agreement, the MArG 155-BR stands out. Unveiled by Kalyani Group at IDEX 2025, this 155mm/39-caliber mobile artillery system is mounted on a high-mobility 4x4 all-terrain chassis. Designed to meet modern battlefield requirements, it combines firepower and adaptability, enabling its deployment in varied operational environments, including mountainous and rugged terrain. With the capability to handle 25° slopes, it addresses the limitations of conventional towed artillery in difficult terrain.
Weighing approximately 20 tons, the MArG 155-BR balances stability and mobility, allowing for rapid battlefield deployment. Its "shoot-and-scoot" mechanism enables quick target engagement followed by repositioning, reducing vulnerability to counter-battery fire. Its operational readiness time is 1.5 minutes during the day and 2 minutes at night, ensuring swift response capabilities.
The system is armed with a 155mm/39-caliber gun, compatible with NATO-standard ammunition and Zone 5 charges. It carries 18 rounds onboard, allowing sustained fire support without immediate resupply. Being a self-propelled system eliminates the need for a separate towing vehicle, simplifying logistics and enhancing deployment efficiency.
Beyond these exports, KSSL continues to strengthen its international presence through strategic orders. The company recently secured a Letter of Intent with AM General at IDEX 2025, formalizing the export of Indian-made artillery guns to the U.S. This development reflects India's shift from being a major arms importer to an exporter of advanced defense technology, in line with the government’s "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative for self-reliance in defense production.
KSSL has developed and exported various indigenous weapon platforms, establishing itself as a key industry player. However, despite its export success, domestic adoption of its artillery systems remains limited, with fewer than 100 new artillery guns integrated into the Indian Army’s arsenal since the 2020 Galwan clash.
The company has also formed partnerships with international defense firms such as AM General and L3Harris Technologies to develop next-generation artillery systems, including 105mm and 155mm guns featuring advanced recoil technology.
These collaborations position KSSL as a key supplier of modern artillery solutions worldwide. The company’s focus on innovation and scalable production has led to orders exceeding $600 million in recent years, supporting its continued expansion in the defense sector.
Financially, KSSL benefits from the backing of its parent company, Bharat Forge, which has a defense order book of approximately ₹5,700 crores, with recent contract wins of nearly ₹100 crores in Q3 FY25. This robust order pipeline strengthens the outlook for both KSSL and Bharat Forge in the military sector.
As KSSL continues to expand its global footprint, its role in the defense industry is becoming more central, contributing not only to India’s defense capabilities but also to the modernization of armed forces in multiple countries worldwide.