New Delhi: India’s defence manufacturing sector received a major boost after SMPP and KNDS signed an agreement to manufacture indigenous loitering munitions. The partnership aims to meet the Indian Army’s growing need for precision-strike weapons and supports the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
The agreement was signed during the Eurosatory 2026 defence exhibition in Paris. Under the deal, European defence company KNDS will transfer technology to Indian defence manufacturer SMPP, enabling domestic production of advanced loitering munition systems.
What Is the SMPP-KNDS Agreement
SMPP, an Indian defence and aerospace company, has partnered with European defence giant KNDS to manufacture advanced loitering munitions and related drone systems in India.
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Key Highlights
- Technology transfer from KNDS to SMPP.
- Local manufacturing in India.
- Focus on Indian Army requirements.
- Supports defence self-reliance.
- Strengthens India’s precision-strike capabilities.
SMPP-KNDS Agreement: What Are Loitering Munitions
Loitering munitions are often called “kamikaze drones.” Unlike traditional missiles, these systems can:
- Fly over a battlefield for a long time.
- Search for targets.
- Identify threats using onboard sensors.
- Strike the target with high accuracy when approved by the operator.
Why Are They Important?
Modern militaries increasingly use loitering munitions because they:
- Reduce risk to soldiers.
- Improve battlefield awareness.
- Deliver precise attacks.
- Cost less than many traditional combat aircraft operations.
SMPP-KNDS Agreement: Which Systems Will Be Manufactured?
The partnership includes several advanced systems:
VELOCE Loitering Munition
- High-speed strike platform.
- Designed to engage armored and high-value targets.
- Can perform rapid precision attacks.
RODEUR Loitering Munition
- Long-endurance platform.
- Can stay airborne for extended periods.
- Suitable for surveillance and precision strikes over large areas.
ISTAR Drone Family
ISTAR stands for: Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance.
These drones help military forces:
- Gather intelligence.
- Track enemy movement.
- Locate targets.
- Support battlefield decision-making.
How Will India Benefit from SMPP-KNDS Agreement
Strengthening Defence Manufacturing
The agreement supports India’s effort to produce advanced military equipment domestically instead of relying heavily on imports.
Technology Transfer
Indian engineers and manufacturers will gain access to advanced defence technologies from Europe, helping build long-term expertise.
Faster Military Modernization
The Indian Army has shown increasing interest in loitering munitions due to their effectiveness in modern warfare and recent global conflicts.
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