Sweden's Saab, Kalyani group form JV for air defence systems

Swedish defence and security company Saab is setting up a joint venture with Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), the defence arm of Kalyani Group, to locally manufacture surface-to-air missile (SRSAM) system and very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) air defence programmes in India.

The joint venture will bid for production and delivery of these air defence systems to the Indian customer and if they win the ongoing tender process, the JV will handle the main part of the production.

Kalyani Group has 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 defence (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 JV will handle production of subsystems and systems for SRSAM and VSHORAD, which could lead to the transfer production and development and in the process the technology 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.

KSSL is already production testing of missile parts as part of a review of production-readiness ahead of a technology transfer by Saab 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 of Kalyani Group.

KSSL is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd, which is engaged in forging for automotive and non-automotive sector, speciality steels and infrastructure.

KSSL is leveraging the groups' capabilities in design, engineering and manufacturing.