Indian Navy to Receive Indigenous MRSAM Systems in ₹2,960 Crore Deal with Bharat Dynamics

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has entered into a landmark contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production and supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) to bolster the Indian Navy’s capabilities. Signed in New Delhi on Thursday in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the deal is valued at ₹2,960 crore and underscores India’s focus on self-reliance in defence technology.

Enhancing the Navy’s Arsenal

The MRSAM system is a state-of-the-art missile defence solution designed to intercept and neutralize aerial threats, including enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones, at medium ranges. This sophisticated weapon system is already a standard feature on several Indian naval ships and will be integrated into most future vessels. The deal marks another step in modernizing the Navy’s arsenal and enhancing its operational readiness in maritime security.

The MRSAM system, developed in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), boasts several advanced features:

• Range: The missiles can engage targets up to 70 km away.
• Speed: Capable of achieving supersonic speeds of Mach 2 and above.
• Guidance System: Equipped with advanced phased-array radar and command-and-control systems for precision targeting.
• Warhead: Features a highly explosive warhead designed to maximize destruction upon impact.
• Canisterized Design: Ensures safe storage, transport, and rapid deployment.

This system is vital in ensuring the Navy’s ability to safeguard its assets against evolving aerial threats in increasingly contested maritime zones.

Boost to Domestic Manufacturing

The MRSAM contract aligns with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative. Classified under the 'Buy (Indian)' procurement category, the deal ensures significant indigenous content. Bharat Dynamics Limited will collaborate with several Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for component manufacturing, creating an estimated 3.5 lakh man-days of employment across the defence production ecosystem.

India’s focus on local manufacturing in defence has gained significant momentum, with the Navy leading the charge. Currently, 39 out of 40 naval vessels, including the formidable INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and nuclear-powered submarines such as INS Arihant, have been built in Indian shipyards.

A Broader Push for Self-Reliance

This agreement is part of a broader strategy by the government to reduce dependence on foreign arms imports. India has already identified over 5,000 defence items that will no longer be imported, emphasizing domestic production capabilities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently lauded the Navy’s indigenization efforts while dedicating advanced naval platforms such as the destroyer INS Surat, the frigate INS Nilgiri, and the submarine INS Vaghsheer to the nation. He stressed that indigenously developed equipment boosts the confidence of the armed forces and showcases India’s growing manufacturing prowess.

Expanding Defence Ecosystem

The defence sector has witnessed unprecedented growth, with production surpassing ₹1.25 lakh crore and exports reaching over 100 countries. Facilities like the new helicopter manufacturing unit in Karnataka and the transport aircraft factory in Gujarat demonstrate the government’s commitment to expanding domestic production capabilities.

Moreover, defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have emerged as key hubs for innovation and manufacturing, accelerating India’s journey toward becoming a global defence supplier.

A Step Forward

The ₹2,960 crore MRSAM deal is not just a boost for the Indian Navy but also a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering indigenous manufacturing and technological innovation. With the defence sector on an upward trajectory, India is poised to become a significant player in the global arms market while strengthening its own security infrastructure.