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MKU contributions to defense and law enforcement in Europe – Defense News
MKU, an Indian defense and homeland security company, has emerged as a key player in strengthening Europe’s security infrastructure. Specializing in advanced ballistic and optronic protection solutions, Kanpur-based MKU has spent over forty years building robust partnerships with European defense and law enforcement agencies. The company’s contributions, which range from providing ballistic plates and body armor to collaborating on cutting-edge technology for armored vehicles, highlight its significant role in enhancing the security and operational capabilities of European forces.
For example, Spain’s border police received 25,000 ballistic plates, while Estonia’s police force received more than 1,000 bulletproof vests. 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 armor solutions to the German army.
Collaboration with Vegvisir
In a significant development, the company has begun 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, Minister of Economic Affairs and Information of Estonia Technologyparticipated in the summit to improve trade relations and explore new avenues of 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 suitable for the Indian Armed Forces.
Manufacturing and testing facilities
The company operates four factories in Germany and India, covering a total area of 400,000 square feet and employing more than 500 people. These facilities are equipped with modern machinery, including laser cutters, automatic cutting and sewing machines, heavy-duty presses, and waterjet machines. The company’s electro-optical facility features a Class 10000 clean room and is equipped to rigorous MIL ruggedization and environmental testing standards.
The in-house ballistics testing laboratory includes a 35-meter indoor range capable of testing a wide variety of projectiles and fragments. The laboratory follows rigorous standards established by the NATO Office of Standardization and the National Institute of Justice. It can test solutions up to 28,000 Joules and perform 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 requirements and the Indian JSS-55555 standard.
Strengthen European security
As previously reported, the Kanpur-based company has played a crucial role in improving Europe’s security infrastructure by providing customized solutions to local forces. The company’s cooperation with French major Thales to develop and Marketplace optronic devices and close combat rifles are an example of their commitment. This alliance includes the manufacture of weapon sights, night vision goggles, portable thermal imagers and other advanced imaging systems.
Looking to the future
In conversation with FinancialExpress.com on the sidelines of Eurosatory taking place in Paris, the company’s General Director, Neeraj Gupta, highlighted Europe’s role as a pioneer in the adoption of new technologies 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 provide 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 it is in the midst of exploring opportunities to develop next-generation ballistics and optronics solutions to meet the growing needs of European defense and law enforcement agencies.