New Delhi - The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has executed a substantial contract, valued at INR 2.87 billion (USD 34.7 million), with Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd (KRAS) for the procurement of Spike anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) intended for the Indian Armed Forces.

This strategic agreement represents a significant step in enhancing India's defense capabilities and is slated to be executed over the next 12 months, as KRAS announced in a press release on August 28.

KRAS, a joint venture (JV) entity, is a collaboration between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), the defense subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd, and Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence Systems (Rafael) Ltd. In this partnership, KSSL holds a majority stake of 51%, while Rafael owns the remaining 49%.
Although specific details regarding the version of Spike ATGMs to be supplied were not disclosed, Rudra B Jadeja, Managing Director and CEO of KRAS, implied that they are likely to be Spike SR ATGMs. It's worth noting that KRAS inaugurated a state-of-the-art INR 700 million Spike SR ATGM production facility in Hyderabad in July 2018.

Highlighting the domestic production capabilities of the joint venture, Baba Kalyani, Chairman of the Kalyani Group, expressed KRAS's readiness to provide Spike missiles to the Indian Armed Forces. He emphasized that 90% of the missile's components would be locally sourced, underscoring India's commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

"The Spike missile is a fully assembled ATGM unit, excluding the explosives and propellants," Kalyani explained, showcasing India's comprehensive manufacturing capabilities.

The Spike missile series, initially developed in Israel, encompasses a range of anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) systems designed to meet diverse operational needs. These missiles range from the short-range, disposable Spike SR to the long-range Spike ER. Certain versions within the Spike family offer non-line-of-sight (NLOS) engagement capabilities, further enhancing their versatility and effectiveness.

This contract signifies a substantial advancement in India's pursuit of advanced defense technologies and self-sufficiency in defense production, aligning with the nation's commitment to equip its armed forces with state-of-the-art equipment. The Spike ATGMs are poised to augment the Indian Armed Forces' capabilities and preparedness in effectively countering armored threats.