India–Belgium Defence Agreements Include Local Assembly of Thales Rockets

India and Belgium have announced ten defence agreements covering training, industrial cooperation and manufacturing, with local rocket assembly among the most concrete projects.

Outlook’s September 3 report describes the package during Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s visit. It includes an industry cooperation framework between BSDI and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.

A defined rocket-production target

Thales’ own announcement confirms an alliance with Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited for unguided and laser-guided 70-mm rockets and associated equipment. The framework covers technology transfer, local production and distribution. The first fully assembled Indian rocket is targeted for early 2027.

Thales says its rocket technology will be combined with Kalyani’s manufacturing, integration and testing capabilities. That is an announced industrial arrangement; it does not mean the new production line has already delivered qualified hardware.

The wider package

Outlook also reports a €50 million ammunition-production project involving New Lachaussée and Tembo Classic Engineering, with planned capacity of about 100 million rounds annually and deliveries scheduled for 2028–29. Those figures describe a proposed installation, not current Indian output.

The package’s significance lies in the transition from a signed agreement to a repeatable manufacturing process. Local assembly can build practical integration and testing experience, but the depth of technology transfer depends on the actual components, processes and design responsibilities covered.

The early-2027 rocket target provides a clear milestone to follow. Qualification results, delivery records and the participation of local suppliers will show how much of the announced cooperation has become production capability.

Image: Narendra Modi and Bart De Wever during the September visit.