In a significant development for the defense sector, India’s Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL) has entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with AM General, a prominent American defense contractor, to supply artillery systems manufactured in India to the United States. This agreement was formalized during the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) 2025 held in Abu Dhabi and marks a pivotal moment as it represents the first export of Indian artillery systems to the U.S., a key ally and arms supplier to India.
The recent agreement builds on previous discussions between KSSL and AM General, which focused on the co-development and production of cutting-edge artillery systems. The current LOI outlines a range of products, including mounted, towed, and ultra-light guns available in both 105mm and 155mm caliber versions. This diversification in artillery offerings underlines KSSL’s ambition to establish itself as a competitive player in the global defense manufacturing landscape.
Baba Kalyani, the chairman and managing director of Bharat Forge Ltd, expressed pride in being the first Indian company to export cannons to the U.S., viewing the deal as a validation of the company’s capabilities and a significant leap toward fulfilling its goal of becoming a leading global provider of artillery solutions.
This agreement dovetails with the recent commitment by both the U.S. and Indian governments to enhance defense cooperation, highlighted during a bilateral meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The collaboration is expected to bolster India’s status as a manufacturing hub for defense products on a global scale, potentially increasing the country’s defense export capabilities.
John Chadbourne, executive vice president of AM General, emphasized that the LOI represents an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. He noted KSSL’s established artillery capabilities and the mutual commitment to innovation shared by both firms. The collaboration aims to deliver advanced mobile artillery capabilities to U.S. defense forces, showcasing the potential for a fruitful partnership in the defense sector.
This agreement not only reflects the growing defense ties between India and the U.S. but also underscores the strategic importance of indigenous defense production in meeting national security needs and enhancing bilateral relations. As the global defense landscape evolves, the collaboration between KSSL and AM General positions both companies to play a significant role in shaping the future of artillery technology and capabilities.
