MKU debuts at MSPO. Protecting soldiers against drone threats

MKU Limited is an enterprise headquartered in Kanpur, with production and R&D facilities also located in Europe – the company’s centre of excellence operates in Germany. The firm provides ballistic vests and helmets, armour plates, vehicle and helicopter protection, as well as electro-optical devices: night vision and thermal imaging. Its solutions are currently used by more than 230 formations in over 100 countries.

Karan Gupta, MKU Vice President at the trade fair, spoke about the scale of the event. “This is the first time we are appearing here as an exhibitor at MSPO, and we are amazed by the number of exhibitors and visitors. We are delighted to be here for the first time,” he said. The main theme of the stand, however, is not just their presence, but the shifting nature of threats. Conflict is no longer primarily a “face-to-face” encounter.

Fragmentation and the effects of drone strikes are becoming increasingly significant. Consequently, customers want to protect more than just the torso. “We are seeing a growing demand for full-body protection sets. The customer wants the ballistic vest and helmet to protect the maximum possible body surface area. Therefore, we are developing new designs that protect not only the torso but also other parts of the body,” the company representative explained.

The second pillar of the offering is optronics. Sights and soldier systems were displayed at the stand, but MKU is also clearly focusing on cooperation with European manufacturers of anti-drone systems. This involves integrated EO/IR sets: day imaging, thermal imaging, a laser rangefinder, and a ballistic computer. “We are collaborating with an increasing number of companies in Europe to become their chosen source for EO/IR solutions mounted on anti-drone systems,” the interviewee told Defence24.

The company reiterates that its products are developed together with the end-user, rather than being “off-the-shelf” items. This is intended to provide three things simultaneously: the right technology, a solution to a real-world problem, and an acceptable price. In MKU’s assessment, this is precisely what allows them to compete in the European market. In Poland, the company is already in talks with several partners. It aims to reach both the military and the uniformed services.

The company does not limit itself to sales alone. “We want to offer the customer long-term support: after-sales service, maintenance, and repairs carried out locally here in Poland,” announced the MKU representative. The Indian company’s debut at the Kielce trade fair fits into the broader picture of MSPO 2026: a record number of exhibitors, a strong presence of anti-drone solutions, and growing interest in personal protection tailored to a battlefield dominated by unmanned aerial vehicles.

Sponsored material. Publication partner: MKU