Bharat Forge Arm KSSL Partners AM General for 155mm Artillery

Bharat Forge's defence arm Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd has signed a strategic partnership with American military vehicle maker AM General. The deal, announced at the Eurosatory defence expo in Paris, targets the global market for 155mm mounted artillery systems.

KSSL is the wholly-owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge. The partnership combines KSSL's artillery platform with AM General's vehicle manufacturing expertise. The system, called the MARG (Mounted Artillery Gun System), uses a 52-calibre 155mm cannon with patented Soft Recoil Technology. That technology absorbs more recoil force than traditional artillery, allowing a lighter vehicle and turret, the company said. The reduced shock on the weapons system extends its service life.

KSSL said the platform fires standard high-explosive projectiles over 40 kilometres and carries more than 20 projectiles and propellant charges on board. The system includes an automated load-assist and an all-weather fire control suite for indirect and direct fire capabilities. The 52-calibre barrel provides longer range than standard 39-calibre howitzers, a key advantage in modern artillery.

The partnership has a specific near-term target. AM General has offered a proposal to participate in the US Army's Mobile Tactical Cannon program. The proposal includes development and delivery of a 155mm MTC solution based on KSSL's platform, with delivery planned for 2027 upon down-selection, the company said.