NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a significant contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy, valued at approximately Rs 2,960 crore. The deal has been formalized today, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, marking a major step in India’s drive towards self-reliance in defence technology under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The MRSAM system, a crucial component of the Indian Navy’s defence infrastructure, is already a standard fit on several naval platforms and is expected to be integrated into most of the future naval ships planned for acquisition. The contract is a testament to India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities, with the MRSAM system set to enhance the Navy’s operational effectiveness against airborne threats.
The contract reflects the MoD’s commitment to bolstering India’s defence preparedness while promoting the ‘Make in India’ vision. The missiles, to be delivered by BDL, will be produced under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, ensuring that the system incorporates largely indigenous content. This move aligns with the government’s strategic objective of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and fostering domestic defence manufacturing.
In addition to its strategic importance, the contract is expected to generate significant employment opportunities within the defence sector. An estimated 3.5 lakh man-days of work will be created, benefiting a wide array of industries, including various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This is expected to provide a substantial boost to the Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem and contribute to the overall economic growth of the sector.
The signing of this contract comes as part of a broader effort to modernize the Indian Navy and strengthen its capabilities in line with evolving security challenges. The MRSAM system, with its advanced technology and indigenous production, will enhance India’s maritime defence and play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s strategic interests.
This milestone marks another significant achievement in India’s defence journey, reinforcing the government’s commitment to self-sufficiency and making India a global defence manufacturing hub.
