MKU, an Indian defense and homeland security company, has emerged as a key player in strengthening the security infrastructure of Europe. Specializing in advanced ballistic protection and optronics solutions, Kanpur based MKU has spent over forty years building robust partnerships with European defense and law enforcement agencies. The company’s contributions, ranging from supplying ballistic plates and body armor to collaborating on cutting-edge technology for armored vehicles, highlight its significant role in enhancing the safety and operational capabilities of European forces.
For instance, Spain’s border police received 25,000 ballistic plates, while the Estonian police force was supplied with over 1,000 body armors. Additionally, MKU has delivered NIJ 0108.01 Level III and NIJ Level III/IV ballistic shields to police forces in Norway and Sweden, respectively, and platform armoring solutions for the German army.
Collaboration with Vegvisir
In a significant development, the company entered into a collaboration with Vegvisir, an Estonian company known for its situational awareness systems for armored vehicles. This partnership was formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 8, 2024, during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Tiit Riisalo, Estonia’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, attended the summit to enhance trade relations and explore new avenues for collaboration.
This partnership aims to upgrade over 10,000 armored vehicles, including Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), with advanced technologies suited to the Indian Armed Forces.
Manufacturing and Testing Facilities
The company operates four manufacturing facilities in Germany and India, covering a total area of 400,000 square feet and employing over 500 individuals. These facilities are equipped with modern machinery, including laser cutters, automatic cutting and stitching machines, heavy-duty presses, and water jet machines. The company’s electro-optic facility features a Class 10000 clean room and is equipped for rigorous MIL standard ruggedness and environmental testing.
The in-house ballistic testing lab includes a 35-meter indoor range capable of testing a wide range of projectiles and fragments. The lab adheres to strict standards set by the NATO Standardization Office and the National Institute of Justice. It can test solutions for up to 28,000 Joules and conduct environmental and accelerated aging tests on materials and solutions.
Optronic Solutions
Netro brand optronic devices are designed, developed, and manufactured in-house. These devices are tested for sensor, optical, mechanical, and environmental performance to ensure they meet MIL-STD-810G and Indian standard JSS-55555 requirements.
Enhancing European Security
As reported previously, the Kanpur based company has played a crucial role in enhancing the security infrastructure of Europe by providing tailored solutions to local forces. The company’s cooperation with French major Thales to develop and market optronic devices and close quarter battle rifles is an example of its commitment. This alliance includes the manufacturing of weapon sights, night vision goggles, handheld thermal imagers, and other advanced imaging systems.
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Looking Ahead
In conversation with FinancialExpress.com on the sidelines of the ongoing Eurosatory in Paris, the company’s Managing Director, Neeraj Gupta, highlighted Europe’s role as an early adopter of new technology and its constant efforts to modernize. He underlined MKU’s commitment to providing innovative solutions and building a safer future. With a focus on research and development, rigorous testing, and state-of-the-art manufacturing, the company aims to deliver high-quality solutions that meet the highest standards.
Future Plans
In the future, the company plans to strengthen its presence in Europe through strategic investments in research and development, collaborations with leading European defense companies, and an expanded product portfolio. And is in the midst of exploring opportunities to develop next-generation ballistic and optronic solutions to meet the evolving needs of European defense and law enforcement agencies.