New Delhi: In a major step in bolstering India’s defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has inked a significant contract worth Rs 2.87 billion (US $ 34.7 million) with Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd (KRAS) for the procurement of Spike anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) for the Indian Armed Forces. This strategic agreement is expected to be fulfilled over the course of the next 12 months, said KRAS in a press statement on August 28.

KRAS, a joint venture (JV) company, is a collaboration between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), the defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd, and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems (Rafael) Ltd. In this partnership, KSSL holds a majority stake of 51%, with Rafael owning the remaining 49%.

The specific details regarding the version of Spike ATGMs to be delivered were not disclosed, it is expected to be Spike SR ATGMs. In July 2018, KRAS inaugurated a state-of-the-art Rs 700 million Spike SR ATGM production facility in Hyderabad.

Baba Kalyani, Chairman of the Kalyani Group, highlighting the domestic production prowess of the joint venture, affirmed the readiness of KRAS to supply Spike missiles to the Indian Armed Forces. He emphasised that 90% of the missile’s components would be sourced locally, underlining India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production.

“The Spike missile is a fully built ATGM unit, except for the explosives and the propellants,” Kalyani explained, showcasing the comprehensive manufacturing capabilities in India.

Originally developed in Israel, the Spike missile series encompasses a range of anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) systems, catering to diverse operational requirements. These missiles vary from the short-range, disposable Spike SR to the long-range Spike ER. Some versions within the Spike family offer the capability for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) engagements, further enhancing their versatility and effectiveness.

Aligning with the nation’s commitment to strengthening its armed forces with cutting-edge equipment, this contract signifies a significant stride in India’s pursuit of advanced defence technologies and self-sufficiency in defence production. The Spike ATGMs are set to enhance the Indian Armed Forces’ capabilities and readiness in countering armoured threats effectively.