Lucknow. Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), the defense arm of Kalyani Group and Arsenal Joint Stock Company, Bulgaria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a strategic alliance in India for manufacturing small arms and ammunition.

KSSL and Arsenal will be aggressively developing a manufacturing capability in India for the “AR” 7.62 x 39mm Assault Rifle and “MG” 7.62 x 51mm Machine Gun series. The Strategic Alliance is also actively participating in the projects for meeting the Army’s requirement of certain types of ammunition over a 10 year programme.

Arsenal small arms have been in active operations in India for decades and have a proven record of performance.

Rajinder Singh Bhatia, Chairman KSSL said “We are very excited to enter the small arms segment. This strategic alliance will combine Arsenal’s Proven technology, knowledge and experience as an OEM with world class design, development and manufacturing capabilities of the Kalyani Group.

The strategic alliance will provide indigenously manufactured, desired high performance and economic solutions for the Armed Forces, thereby furthering the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government”.

Hristo Ibouchev, Executive Director, Arsenal 2000 JSCo said “Arsenal is proud to be the first defence OEM in Bulgaria to become an active participant in the Make in India programme with Kalyani Group as its partner for assault rifle, machine gun and ammunition for Ministry of Defence, India.”