Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited and FN Herstal have announced a new partnership to explore the manufacture of counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions for the Indian market. The 3 September announcement does not outline what solutions Kalyani and FN may collaborate on but FN Herstal offers a number of platforms ranging from C-UAS Winchester SX4 shotguns to FN's Defender Remote Weapon Station family. The Defender C-UAS system was first demonstrated back in 2022; this system included a scalable signal jammer and a pair of kinetic effectors - a rifle-caliber machine gun and/or a heavy machine gun. Earlier this year FN displayed their C-UAS solutions at a number of major trade shows, emphasising engagement ranges from 20m to 2000m with a range of weapons. Here's the announcement in full:Under the MoU, KSSL and FN Herstal will evaluate the establishment of a dedicated production center in India and a Strategic Alliance / Joint Venture covering a range of FN Herstal defence solutions for the Indian market, spanning small arms, integrated weapon systems and counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solutions. The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s Make in India policy. It reflects a shared intent to build capability inside the country through local manufacturing, technology cooperation and value creation, strengthening India’s defence industrial base and deepening domestic participation in defence procurement programmes. For the Indian armed forces, this translates into long-term security of supply and greater strategic autonomy in a category of systems that is central to operational readiness.Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd., said: “Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL) is proud to partner with FN Herstal to bring world-class technology, products, and manufacturing expertise to India. By combining FN Herstal’s globally respected portfolio and decades of experience with KSSL’s engineering excellence and industrial scale, we are creating a strong platform to deliver advanced defence solutions from India – for India and global markets. Together, we aim to support India’s defence modernisation through locally manufactured, globally leading products while strengthening indigenous capabilities and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”Mr. Julien Compere, Chief Executive Officer, FN Browning Group, said: “India is a strategic partner for FN Herstal, and we are proud to take this important step with Kalyani Strategic Systems. This agreement reflects a shared ambition: to combine FN Herstal’s proven defence solutions, trusted by the world’s most demanding armed forces, with KSSL’s outstanding industrial capabilities to help build long-term sovereign capacity for the Indian Armed Forces. Together, we are committed to supporting the objectives of Make in India through local manufacturing, technology cooperation and the development of advanced defence capabilities, creating lasting value for India, its armed forces and our two companies.”This isn't the first time Kalyani Strategic Systems has partnered with a foreign defense company; back in 2019, they partnered with Thales for the initial phases of the Indian Army's carbine tender. As the drone threat continues to mature and grow Kalyani's alignment with FN Herstal to provide C-UAS solutions comes as India (and other nations) scramble to effectively counter the treat.