Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) and GRADEONE UAE have signed a landmark defence contract for artillery spare parts, making history as the first major Indian private-sector deal of its kind. The Kalyani Strategic Systems-UAE contract will see KSSL, the defence arm of Bharat Forge, supply 155mm howitzer barrels to the UAE Armed Forces, strengthening operational readiness.
This KSSL–GRADEONE UAE defence collaboration is more than a contract. It highlights Bharat Forge’s engineering excellence, showcases the UAE’s trust in Indian manufacturing, and proves that Atmanirbhar Bharat defence exports are now gaining global recognition.
What Is Artillery and What Did This Deal Include?
For new readers and defence enthusiasts alike, it helps to first understand what artillery means in this context.
- Artillery refers to large-calibre weapons such as howitzers, field guns, and cannons, which deliver long-range firepower.
- These systems rely on critical components like barrels, breech mechanisms, recoil systems, and ammunition handling units.
In this contract, the KSSL–GRADEONE UAE defence collaboration covers:
- 155mm howitzer barrels are the key component that ensures accuracy and range
- Associated spare parts are designed to improve durability and reduce long-term maintenance
For the UAE, this deal enhances operational readiness. For India, it marks a breakthrough in Indian artillery spare parts export to the UAE.
Details of the Kalyani Strategic Systems-UAE contract
The contract was formalised in Abu Dhabi on 11 September 2025 between:
- Khalifa Al Ali, CEO of MP3 International, a GRADEONE subsidiary
- Neelesh Tungar, CEO of Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL)
Key points of the agreement:
- First major artillery spare parts collaboration between an Emirati and an Indian private defence company
- Expands Bharat Forge’s global presence through a Bharat Forge UAE defence contract
- Guarantees a reliable supply of critical components to the UAE Armed Forces while boosting India’s export credibility
This first-of-its-kind agreement is a historic private-sector milestone for India, underscoring KSSL’s reputation as a global partner in advanced artillery manufacturing. For GRADEONE and EDGE Group, it reflects their commitment to building trusted international supply chains.
Also Read: Bharat Forge KSSL Light Tank – India’s New 25-Ton Game-Changer
Why the UAE Partnered with KSSL
So why did the UAE turn to KSSL instead of Western suppliers? From my perspective, three reasons stand out.
1. Operational Reliability
The 155mm howitzer barrels India exports under this agreement will deliver:
- Longer service life for artillery systems
- Greater precision in fire missions
- Consistent battlefield effectiveness
2. Confidence in Bharat Forge KSSL Artillery Systems
KSSL, as part of Bharat Forge, has a strong track record in metallurgy and ordnance design. Its Bharat Forge KSSL artillery systems are already proven in India, giving the UAE confidence in their reliability.
3. Strategic Alignment
This deal reflects aligned ambitions:
- The UAE, through the EDGE Group UAE defence partnership, is building sovereign defence capability
- India, through Atmanirbhar Bharat defence exports, is seeking global competitiveness
The KSSL–GRADEONE UAE defence collaboration is the natural outcome of these shared goals.
India–UAE Defence Cooperation Timeline
To understand the importance of this contract, it helps to trace the growth of India–UAE defence cooperation:
- 2017: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed
- 2018: UAE leaders attend India’s Republic Day as Guests of Honour
- 2022: Talks held on joint missile and UAV projects
- 2023: First-ever India–UAE bilateral naval exercise conducted
- 2025: Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, UAE defence contract signed with GRADEONE
This timeline shows the steady progression from diplomatic partnership to deep defence collaboration.
EDGE Group: A Growing Global Defence Force
The UAE’s EDGE Group has rapidly become one of the most advanced defence organisations in the Middle East. By consolidating over 35 companies, EDGE has focused on:
- Platforms and systems
- Missiles and weapons
- Cybersecurity and space
- Homeland security
By choosing to collaborate with Indian defence firms like KSSL, the EDGE Group is building long-term, reliable partnerships. For India, this opens access to the MENA defence market, long dominated by Western suppliers.
Comparison with Other Indian Defence Exports
This contract is part of a broader story of India’s defence export growth. Other notable deals include:
- Pinaka MBRL to Armenia (2022)
- BrahMos missiles to the Philippines (2022)
- Akash SAMs have been supplied to multiple nations since 2023
The Kalyani Strategic Systems’ UAE contract stands apart because:
- It is private-sector driven, unlike many PSU-led exports
- It involves core artillery systems, not just accessories or support gear
- It creates new opportunities in the Gulf and Africa
This is why the KSSL–GRADEONE UAE defence collaboration is being seen as a turning point for Indian exports.
Geopolitical Significance
This deal is not only commercial but also geopolitical.
- The UAE is diversifying suppliers, reducing over-reliance on the US and Europe
- India is gaining presence in West Asia, a region critical for energy and trade
- China’s growing influence in the Gulf makes India’s role strategically important
- Such defence exports strengthen political trust between India and the Gulf states
The KSSL–GRADEONE UAE defence collaboration signals India’s rise as a responsible security partner in a contested region.
Impact on India’s Defence Exports
India’s defence exports have grown from ₹1,521 crore in 2016–17 to ₹21,083 crore in FY24. The government has set a target of ₹35,000 crore by FY25.
This contract matters because it:
- Proves India can export advanced artillery components
- Reinforces the progress of Atmanirbhar Bharat defence exports
- Positions Bharat Forge’s UAE defence contracts as a gateway to larger markets
For defence enthusiasts, this contract is clear proof that India is entering a new era as a reliable supplier.
Why This Matters to Defence Enthusiasts
For new readers curious about India’s rise and for defence enthusiasts who track every deal, this story matters because:
- It shows India is moving from buyer to exporter of advanced systems
- It highlights the private sector’s growing role in defence manufacturing
- It proves India can compete globally in artillery and heavy ordnance
As someone who closely follows India’s defence growth, I see this deal as a proud symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat turning into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited UAE defence contract?
It is an agreement between KSSL and GRADEONE UAE for the supply of 155mm howitzer barrels and spares.
Q2. Why did the UAE choose KSSL?
Because of the reliability of Bharat Forge KSSL artillery systems and India’s rising credibility as a defence exporter.
Q3. How does this affect India–UAE relations?
It strengthens India–UAE defence cooperation in 2025, moving ties deeper into the security domain.
Q4. What does this mean for Bharat Forge?
This Bharat Forge UAE defence contract builds its global reputation as a trusted artillery supplier.
Q5. Will there be more such contracts?
Yes. Analysts expect further EDGE Group collaboration with Indian defence companies, covering UAVs, missiles, and naval systems.
Conclusion
The Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited UAE defence contract with GRADEONE is a landmark step for both countries. It unites Bharat Forge’s engineering expertise and GRADEONE’s strategic vision to deliver advanced artillery systems that strengthen the UAE Armed Forces and reinforce bilateral trust.
For India, it is a matter of pride that private industry is now gaining global recognition. For the UAE, it is proof that Indian partnerships bring reliability, value, and innovation.
This deal is a powerful example of Atmanirbhar Bharat reaching international markets, showcasing the best of Indian defence manufacturing to the world.
Source: Official press release shared with Defence News India by Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) and GRADEONE UAE on 11 September 2025.
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