Swedish Defence and security company Saab has teamed up with Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), the defence arm of the Kalyani Group, to prepare for a joint venture company in India for the SRSAM (short range surface-to-air missile) and VSHORAD (very short range air defence systems) air defence programmes.

The joint venture, to be set up by Saab and KSSL, aims at handling the main part of production and delivery of these air defence systems to Indian customers. The production in India will comprise subsystems and systems for SRSAM and VSHORAD with the aim to transfer production as well as development knowledge to India.

In February 2014, Saab and transport specialist Ashok Leyland had joined forces to compete for the Indian Army's SRSAM air defence programme. Saab and Ashok Leyland were to meet the SRSAM requirement with a new solution that combined the Saab BAMSE missile system with Ashok Leyland's vehicles.

Commenting on the JV proposal, Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics, said in a statement, "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."

In order to secure production quality, orders of missile parts have already been issued to KSSL and production readiness reviews are ongoing, Saab said in a statement. Saab and KSSL are already planning for technology transfer for different packages within the programmes.

"The JV 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 JV will create a global supplier in the area of Ground Based Air Defence Systems based in India", noted Amit Kalyani, Executive Director at Kalyani Group, in the statement.

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’ expertise.

Related Topics