SMPP partners with KNDS to manufacture advanced loitering munitions in India
India’s defence self-reliance, SMPP, has signed a strategic teaming agreement with European land defence leader KNDS to locally manufacture state-of-the-art loitering munitions in India.
The agreement, inked today at the Eurosatory Exhibition in Paris, combines technology transfer with indigenous production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
It aims to meet the Indian Army’s urgent requirement for advanced precision strike systems capable of addressing modern battlefield challenges.
The partnership will cover the VELOCE and RODEUR loitering munition systems along with the ISTAR family of drones. These battle-proven platforms deliver highly effective “search-and-destroy” capability, allowing operators to locate, track, and neutralise high-value targets with exceptional accuracy. Equipped with a hybrid guidance system integrating multi-constellation GNSS and INS, the munitions ensure reliable performance across diverse terrains and contested environments.
Their fire-and-forget mode further enhances operational flexibility in complex scenarios. “These systems have been validated in recent conflicts and will significantly strengthen the Indian Armed Forces’ deep strike and precision engagement capabilities,” the companies stated in a joint release.
This latest collaboration builds on the teaming agreement signed in November 2025 for the KATANA® 155 mm precision-guided artillery munition, reflecting growing Indo-European defence cooperation.
SMPP, a leading Indian defence technology firm, specialises in ballistic protection, precision strike systems, drones, counter-drone solutions, and advanced ammunition. The company is focused on indigenous innovation and world-class manufacturing to enhance national defence preparedness.
KNDS, formed by the alliance of Nexter and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, is a pan-European giant employing nearly 11,000 people with €4.4 billion revenue in 2025 and a €33.1 billion order backlog. The group is trusted by over 40 armies worldwide and excels in developing integrated manned-unmanned solutions and full life-cycle defence systems.
The partnership is expected to accelerate local production, reduce import dependence, and create a robust domestic supply chain for critical munitions.
