“The collection of 10 agreements, which also include ammunition production and naval mine-countermeasure systems teaming, were inked during a working visit to the Asia-Pacific nation by Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, Minister of Defence Theo Francken and 15 Belgian defense companies.”
“Based on a collaboration between Thales Belgium and Kalyani Strategic Systems, the first 70mm rocket to be produced ‘entirely’ in India, is expected in ‘early 2027,’ said the Belgian defense ministry in a press notice. ‘The cooperation works both ways: India develops its own production capacity, while Thales gains an additional source of supply for international orders’.”
“Other key industrial ties include an ammunition production project valued at €50 million ($58 million) between Liège-based machinery manufacturer New Lachaussée and Tembo Classic Engineering in India… Overall, production capacity of approximately 100 million rounds per year is planned, with deliveries scheduled for 2028 and 2029.”
“Elsewhere, a partnership between Exail Belgium and Larsen & Toubro will see the European firm supply autonomous toolboxes used to detect, identify and neutralize naval mines to the Indian government. Exail is also under contract to jointly provide the Belgian and Dutch navies with 12 Mine Countermeasure Vessels (MCMVs).”
“The Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC) is in discussions with Kirloskar Oil Engines…”
“In addition to these individual partnerships, a cooperation agreement between the Belgian Security & Defence Industry (BSDI) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) was also signed. ‘This will make it easier for our companies to participate in co-development under the Make in India initiative,’ declared Brussels.”