Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the defence subsidiary of Indian company Bharat Forge, showcased its expanding portfolio of artillery and armoured-vehicle products at Eurosatory 2026. The company’s aim is to grow its presence in Europe, North America and other emerging defence markets.
In particular, KSSL announced developments related to its Mounted Artillery Gun (MArG) family, a partnership with AM General in the USA, and a new 4×4 armoured vehicle programme in conjunction with Paramount.
KSSL is eyeing European markets for its MArG family of 4×4 155mm artillery systems that are available in L/39, L/45 and L/52 calibres. These MArG 39, MArG 45 and MArG 52 mounted artillery systems are designed around a common 4×4 truck chassis with a significantly reduced logistics footprint compared to tracked systems and heavier wheeled platforms.
An example of the MArG 39 155mm L/39 system was displayed at Eurosatory 2026 to gauge European interest in the artillery system. The MArG 39 has a 22-tonne all-up weight, and it carries 18 rounds of ammunition.
Moving on, KSSL and AM General entered into a strategic partnership at the show with the intent to target global requirements for truck-mounted artillery systems. AM General has submitted a proposal for the US Army’s Mobile Tactical Cannon programme, with an offer of a 155mm solution based on KSSL’s MArG 52 system. If down-selected for the US programme, deliveries could begin as early as 2027.
KSSL’s MArG 52 features the Indian firm’s patented soft-recoil technology mitigation system, in addition to automated loading assistance and an all-weather fire control suite. It can fire standard high-explosive projectiles to distances exceeding 40km.
Armenia remains the only publicly disclosed export customer for KSSL artillery systems, the country having ordered 155mm artillery pieces in a November 2022 deal worth US$155 million.
Meanwhile, KSSL and the UAE-headquartered Paramount unveiled their Simha 4×4 light armoured vehicle at Eurosatory 2026 too. KSSL claims that the design will “address the rapidly evolving mobility, protection and mission requirements of armed forces in India, Africa and South Asia”. It also declared that the Simha was developed in record time.
The Simha 4×4 shares visual characteristics with Paramount’s Mbombe 4 protected vehicle, but it features four doors instead.
Paramount stated, “Designed to support local industrialisation and sovereign production objectives, the Simha 4×4 can be rapidly industrialised and localised in partner nations, supporting national defence-industrial development strategies and reducing long-term dependence on foreign supply chains.”
Paramount had announced in September 2023 that it was broadening its development and manufacturing partnership in India with Bharat Forge and KSSL to produce a wider range of armoured vehicles for Paramount’s global customers.
Bharat Forge is also scheduled to begin deliveries later this year of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), which was jointly developed with India’s state-run Defence Research & Development Organisation.
In March 2025, Bharat Forge received India’s largest domestic contract for artillery systems with an order for 184 ATAGS of 155mm L/52 calibre. This deal accounted for 60% of an INR69 billion (US$805 million) procurement for the Indian Army. Bharat Forge has the capability to produce 60 ATAGS artillery pieces annually.
This announcement at Eurosatory related to artillery systems, a foray into the US market and a new armoured-vehicle offering indicate a broader push by Bharat Forge to turn its growing domestic production base and recent Indian Army orders into export opportunities.
by Atul Chandra
