Kalyani Group, Sweden's Saab tie up for air defence systems

Kalyani Group today tied up with Swedish defence major Saab to form a joint venture firm here for the multi-billion dollar contract for short range surface to air missile and man-portable very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) programmes.
The joint venture, which will be set up by Saab and Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), the defence arm of Kalyani Group, will handle the main part of production and delivery of these air defence systems to the Indian customer if they win the ongoing tender process.
The production in India will comprise of subsystems and systems for SRSAM and VSHORAD with the aim to transfer production as well as development knowledge to India.

"I am glad to announce our contribution to Make in India through our agreement with KSSL and the Kalyani Group to establish a joint venture company in India for the Air Defence Programmes.
"The JV is already under preparation within both companies, and will be ready to launch soon", said Gorgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics.
To secure production quality, orders of missile parts have already been issued to KSSL and production-readiness reviews are ongoing. Saab and KSSL are already planning for the technology transfer for different packages within the programmes.

"The joint venture company will combine Saab's knowledge and experience as a developer and supplier of high-technology radar and missile systems, with the engineering excellence and manufacturing capabilities of the Kalyani Group.

"The joint venture will create a global supplier in the area of Ground Based Air Defence Systems based in India", said Amit Kalyani, Executive Director at Kalyani Group.
KSSL, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd, is a part of the Kalyani Group, a conglomerate engaged in forging for automotive and non-automotive sector, speciality steels and infrastructure.
KSSL is the principal company of the Kalyani Group formed for undertaking defence and aerospace business initiatives by leveraging the Groups' renowned and distinguished design, engineering and manufacturing expertise.