The Indian Navy has taken a significant leap towards bolstering its naval defence capabilities by signing a Rs 2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM). The deal, finalized on January 16, 2025, in New Delhi, underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Strengthening Naval Defence
The MRSAM system is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s naval arsenal, equipping a range of Indian Naval warships with advanced air defence capabilities. These missiles are designed to counter aerial threats such as fighter jets, missiles, and drones, significantly enhancing the Navy’s operational readiness. The integration of MRSAM into future naval platforms will position India among a select group of nations with such advanced capabilities.
This contract falls under the “Buy (Indian)” category, ensuring that the missiles are predominantly indigenous. Produced by BDL in collaboration with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the deal will also stimulate local industries, including MSMEs, and is expected to generate approximately 3.5 lakh man-days of employment.
Milestone Achievements
The Indian Navy demonstrated the MRSAM’s potential during a successful test firing from the INS Visakhapatnam in 2023, proving its versatility as both an air defence and anti-ship missile. Recently, the Navy also conducted a “cooperative engagement firing” test, showcasing its ability to efficiently counter multiple aerial threats through coordinated efforts across several ships.
This capability enables naval units to share radar and targeting data in real-time, reducing redundancy and improving combat efficiency while maintaining strategic stealth.
Joining Elite Naval Forces
With the successful deployment of MRSAM and cooperative engagement strategies, the Indian Navy has joined an exclusive group of global naval forces equipped with advanced anti-air warfare systems. This achievement marks a critical enhancement of India’s maritime defence capabilities, particularly in a region facing escalating maritime security challenges.
The MRSAM system will be installed on various advanced Indian Navy platforms, including Kolkata-class destroyers, and will be a key feature of future naval projects. These developments will significantly enhance India’s maritime security posture.
A Collaborative Triumph
This project reflects the robust collaboration between DRDO, IAI, and BDL, highlighting India’s growing expertise in defence technology while fostering international partnerships. The development and integration of MRSAM underscore India’s strategy to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing and its determination to maintain a formidable presence in the region.
As the Navy continues its modernization drive, the inclusion of cutting-edge systems like MRSAM will ensure India’s maritime dominance and strengthen its ability to protect national interests.
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