Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) have inked a major ₹2,960 crore deal for the procurement of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy. Finalized in New Delhi on January 16, 2025, this agreement is considered a significant step towards strengthening India’s defense capabilities and advancing domestic military technology as part of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ strategy.
MRSAMs can defend against a variety of threats, including as fighter aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, and are made to engage numerous airborne targets at up to 70 kilometers.
The MRSAM system is expected to be integrated into the majority of upcoming naval platforms and will soon be a common feature on many Indian military vessels. This capacity strengthens India’s maritime security infrastructure by greatly improving the Navy’s operational preparedness and air defense systems.
The government’s dedication to independence in defense manufacture is also emphasized in the deal. Approximately 3.5 lakh man-days of employment will be created in a variety of sectors, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in defense production, as a result of the missiles’ primarily domestic production.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) worked together to create the MRSAM system. Numerous destroyers and the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant are among the naval assets that have previously incorporated it. These ships’ successful testing of MRSAM has confirmed its efficacy as an anti-ship missile and air defense system.
In addition to strengthening India’s defense capabilities, this contract supports larger objectives of strategic military technological independence and lowering dependency on imports.
