SMPP-KNDS Partnership for Loitering Munitions

SMPP, an Indian defence technology firm, and KNDS, a European land defence company, signed a strategic teaming agreement on 20 June 2026 at the Eurosatory Exhibition in Paris. The agreement covers local manufacture in India of loitering munitions and ISTAR drones, along with systems linked to precision strike and reconnaissance roles.

Loitering Munitions

Loitering munitions are unmanned aerial systems that can remain airborne for a period before striking a target. They are also described as “search-and-destroy” systems in military usage, and they combine surveillance, target acquisition, and strike functions in one platform.

Systems Covered in the Agreement

The partnership covers KNDS’s VELOCE and RODEUR loitering munition systems and the ISTAR family of drones. The systems use a hybrid guidance architecture that integrates multi-constellation GNSS and inertial navigation system technology, and they include a fire-and-forget mode.

Industrial and Military Context

The agreement aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, which promote domestic manufacturing in strategic sectors. It also addresses the Indian Army’s requirement for precision strike systems for modern battlefield operations.

Important Facts for Exams

• Eurosatory is a major international defence and security exhibition held in Paris, France.
• GNSS stands for Global Navigation Satellite System, and it includes multiple satellite navigation constellations.
• INS stands for inertial navigation system, which is used in missiles, aircraft, and unmanned systems.
• Loitering munitions are different from conventional artillery shells because they can search for targets before impact.

Previous Collaboration and Indian Capability

SMPP and KNDS had signed a previous teaming agreement in November 2025 for the KATANA 155 mm precision-guided artillery munition. SMPP has also delivered 106 Agniveg loitering munition systems to the Indian Army, and the system has an operational range of nearly 180 km.

Defence Manufacturing in India

India has expanded domestic production in drones, missiles, artillery systems, and electronic warfare equipment under public and private sector participation. Precision-guided munitions and loitering systems form part of the wider category of modern stand-off strike weapons used by armed forces.