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SMPP and KNDS will pitch these combat-proven loitering munition systems directly to the Indian Army under the ‘Make in India’ regulatory framework
This agreement marks the second major collaborative venture between the two defence entities within the last year. Image/News18
Indian defence and aerospace manufacturer SMPP has signed a strategic teaming agreement with European land defence major KNDS to manufacture state-of-the-art Loitering Munitions (LMs) in India. Executed through SMPP’s subsidiary, SMPP Ammunition, the partnership was formalised on June 18 at the Eurosatory Exhibition in Paris, France. The agreement combines international technology transfer with indigenous manufacturing to support the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and meet the urgent operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
The partnership focuses on introducing the VELOCE and RODEUR loitering munition systems, alongside the ISTAR family of drones, to provide a highly effective “search-and-destroy” capability. Designed for high accuracy in modern combat scenarios, these fire-and-forget systems are engineered to neutralise high-value, strategic enemy assets across diverse terrains. To ensure precision in complex electronic warfare environments, the munitions leverage a hybrid guidance system that integrates a multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver with an Inertial Navigation System (INS).
Under the framework of this agreement, SMPP and KNDS will pitch these combat-proven loitering munition systems directly to the Indian Army under the “Make in India” regulatory framework. The initiative arrives amid a significant and immediate requirement within the Indian Army for advanced, precision-guided loitering systems to reinforce its tactical battlefield readiness.
This agreement marks the second major collaborative venture between the two defence entities within the last year. On November 20, 2025, SMPP and KNDS previously signed a teaming agreement at the Milipol Exhibition in Paris for the KATANA range of precision-guided artillery ammunition. The KATANA system is a 155 mm precision-guided projectile designed to deliver extended range and pinpoint accuracy for modern artillery operations.
SMPP is a prominent domestic defence technology supplier specialising in ballistic protection, advanced materials, precision strike weapons, drone and counter-drone systems, and large-to-medium calibre ammunition. Its partner, KNDS—formed through the alliance of Nexter and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann—is a premier pan-European land defence group that generated 4.4 billion euros in revenue in 2025 and maintains a global order backlog of 33.1 billion euros. Serving more than 40 armies worldwide, KNDS will manage the technology transfer baseline to establish localised production lines alongside SMPP in India.
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