Bharat Forge 's wholly owned defence subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), signed a strategic partnership with AM General at the Eurosatory defense exposition in Paris, France, on June 18, 2026. The collaboration aims to equip modern armies with compact, robust, and mobile Next-Gen Mounted Artillery gun platforms, offering a distinct competitive edge in evolving combat scenarios. The partnership is positioned to provide a scalable, exportable artillery solution for partner nations seeking modern, mobile, and survivable 155mm fires capability.

U.S. Army Mobile Tactical Cannon Program

As part of the agreement, AM General has offered a proposal to participate in the U.S. Army Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) program. The proposal to the U.S. Government includes the development and delivery of a 155mm MTC solution based on the architecture of KSSL's Mounted Artillery Gun platform, with delivery planned in 2027 upon its down-selection. The system leverages KSSL's MARG platform, which features a 52-Caliber 155mm Cannon combined with patented Soft Recoil Technology (SRT) Recoil Mitigation system.

MARG System Capabilities

The MARG system provides strategic transportability and tactical mobility through a purpose-built powerpack and suspension with a lighter gross vehicle weight rating. It includes an automated load-assist and an advanced all-weather fire control suite for indirect and direct fire capabilities. The system fires a standard high-explosive projectile over 40 Kilometers and carries over 20 projectiles and propellant charges on-board. The SRT system absorbs significantly more recoil force than traditional artillery systems, allowing for a lighter vehicle and turret.

The key technical specifications of the MARG platform are outlined below:

Leadership Statements

Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd, stated that the partnership is underscored by trust in KSSL's advanced artillery capabilities and commitment to delivering combat-proven solutions. Mr. John Chadbourne, President and CEO of AM General, said that integrating the patented soft recoil technology into mature platforms will deliver groundbreaking capabilities for the evolving battlefield.

Bharat Forge 's subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), in partnership with Paramount, has unveiled the Simha 4x4, a next-generation Light Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle, at Eurosatory 2026. The ab initio design is developed to address mobility, protection, and mission requirements for armed forces in India, Africa, South Asia, and other global markets. This launch underscores the strategic partnership between KSSL and Paramount to deliver modular, mission-configurable platforms for global defence needs.

Simha 4x4: Key Features and Capabilities

The Simha 4x4 combines power, agility, and protection, making it suitable for urban warfare and reconnaissance. Its modular architecture allows for easy upgrades and customisations, enabling users to optimise supply and MRO lines. The vehicle is designed to support local industrialisation and sovereign production objectives, allowing for rapid localisation in partner nations to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.

Operational Flexibility and Strategic Significance

Designed for a broad spectrum of missions, the Simha 4x4 supports reconnaissance, internal security, border protection, special operations, command-and-control, troop transport, and force protection. Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd, stated that the platform is "Europeanized by Design" and built around NATO qualified aggregates, engineered for rapid industrialisation globally. Eric Ichikowitz, Senior Vice President of Paramount, highlighted that the vehicle combines protection, mobility, modularity, and affordability to meet evolving operational needs.

Partnership and Global Outreach

The Simha 4x4 joins a growing portfolio of jointly developed defence solutions from the Paramount-KSSL partnership. KSSL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, drives the defence business of the Kalyani Group, delivering sovereign defence capability across land, marine, and unmanned domains. Paramount, a global aerospace and defence technology company, specialises in advanced land, air, and maritime systems with over 30 years of experience in armoured vehicle design.