Reliance Defence partners with Germany’s Diehl Defence to produce 155 mm precision-guided munition system

Reliance Group Founder Chairman, Anil Ambani, with Helmut Rauch, CEO, Diehl Defence, on the occasion of signing of a strategic cooperation agreement for production of next-generation terminal-guided munitions

Reliance Defence announced on Tuesday a strategic cooperation agreement with Germany’s Diehl Defence to produce ‘Vulcano’ 155 mm precision-guided munition system in India.

Reliance Defence sources said, the Vulcano will provide an import substitution since the Indian Army uses US-origin ‘Excalibur’ precision-guided munition for M777 ultra-light howitzers, K9 Vajras and some other artillery guns.

The production of Vulcano 155 mm ammunition, with 60 per cent indigenisation and having a range of 70 km, will cater to the Indian Armed Forces as well as feed into the global requirement arising out of ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, said the company spokesperson.

The advanced munition system will incorporate state-of-the-art, laser and GPS-guided targeting technology, enhancing precision striking capability, while ensuring high impact accuracy for designated targets, the company stated.

 Helmut Rauch, CEO, Diehl Defence, said: “Diehl Defence looks forward to strengthen the current relationship with Reliance Group in the context of TGM for the Indian Armed Forces.”

Anil D Ambani, Founder Chairman, Reliance Group, said: “We are honoured to partner with Diehl Defence, a globally recognised leader in guided munition technology. This strategic alliance not only accelerates the advancement of India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, but also positions Reliance Defence as a pivotal player in the global defence supply chain.”

Through the partnership with Diehl Defence, Reliance Defence intends to bring into the Indian defence market at least four variants of 155 mm munitions — high explosives, smokes, illuminating and Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) that fires 49 bomblets in one projectile, , the company spokesperson said.

Trials completed

Most trials for these munitions, originally developed by the DRDO, have been completed, he stated.

The company has engaged an international technology partner as well as 10 indigenous companies to straight away kick start production of these munitions for tapping into substantial international demand, which is expected to be worth ₹4 lakh crore over the next 10 years.  

Published on June 10, 2025