Bharat Forge's KSSL and L3Harris Collaborate to Enhance India's Defense Communication and Surveillance

In a significant move to bolster India's defense capabilities, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with L3Harris Technologies. This two-year agreement aims to advance Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) technologies for the Indian Armed Forces.

Strategic Objectives of the Collaboration

The partnership between KSSL and L3Harris is designed to:

• Enhance Tactical Communications: By leveraging L3Harris's extensive experience in tactical communication systems, the collaboration seeks to develop robust communication networks tailored to the needs of the Indian military.

• Advance Surveillance Capabilities: The integration of sophisticated surveillance technologies will provide the Indian Armed Forces with improved situational awareness and intelligence gathering.

• Promote Indigenous Production: Aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative, the MoU emphasizes local manufacturing and support, ensuring that advanced defense technologies are developed and maintained within the country.

L3Harris's Expertise in C4ISR Systems

L3Harris is renowned for its development and deployment of customized integrated C4ISR systems. These systems gather, synthesize, and share a diverse range of battlefield reconnaissance data, leading to quicker response times in the field. Their C4ISR Network Gateways are self-contained, portable or fixed-site communication systems that can be rapidly deployed in areas lacking existing high-capacity network infrastructure.

Advanced Tactical Communication Solutions

The collaboration is expected to introduce advanced tactical communication solutions, such as:

• Falcon III® RF-7800V-HH Handheld VHF Tactical Radio: This compact radio offers simultaneous voice and high-speed data transmission, equipped with a narrowband TDMA Networking Waveform that allows up to 64 users on a mobile ad-hoc network to share real-time situational awareness.

• AN/PRC-160(V) Wideband HF/VHF Tactical Radio System: As the smallest and lightest high-assurance certified HF manpack available, this radio features industry-leading encryption and breakthrough data performance, ensuring secure and reliable communication over long distances.

Commitment to National Security

Dave Johnson, Vice President of International at L3Harris, emphasized the significance of the MoU, stating that it "sets the stage for future partnerships and opportunities in India, where the combined strengths of L3Harris and KSSL can contribute to bolstering national security for the country." He expressed enthusiasm about accelerating the delivery of advanced tactical radios and equipment to the Indian Armed Forces.

Neelesh Tungar, President & CEO of KSSL, highlighted that the collaboration "unlocks new strategic capabilities and will lead to harnessing new opportunities for quick delivery of sophisticated defense products to the Indian Armed Forces." He noted that this partnership is aligned with evolving doctrines and emerging warfare paradigms, aiming to serve future strategic requirements, including joint and integrated ISR capabilities.

Building Resilient Supply Chains

While focusing on the Indian market, the collaboration also seeks to establish robust and resilient supply chains outside India to meet global obligations. L3Harris has been operating in India for over two decades, with facilities in New Delhi and Bengaluru. In addition to providing the Indian Armed Forces with sophisticated tactical radios and manned airborne electro-optic/infrared systems, the company partners with the Airport Authority of India to provide futuristic telecommunications infrastructure for all Indian airports.

The MoU between KSSL and L3Harris represents a strategic effort to modernize India's defense communication and surveillance capabilities. By combining KSSL's local expertise with L3Harris's advanced technologies, the partnership aims to deliver state-of-the-art solutions that enhance national security and support the Indian Armed Forces in addressing contemporary and future challenges.