An MRSAM during a test-firing. (Photo: Bharat Dynamics Limited)
New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence signed a major contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy on Thursday. Valued at approximately ₹2,960 crore, this agreement was formalized in New Delhi, with the defence secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, present at the signing ceremony.
The MRSAM system is a standard feature on multiple Indian naval ships and is slated for integration into the majority of future naval platforms. This acquisition represents a critical milestone in bolstering India’s defence capabilities and advancing the indigenization of sophisticated military technology.
Developed collaboratively by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries, the MRSAM, also known as the Barak-8, is designed to intercept and destroy a variety of aerial threats, including fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and cruise missiles, at ranges up to 70 kilometres. The system is already operational across the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Indian Army, providing a robust shield against airborne adversaries.
Utilizing a domestically developed rocket motor and control system, the MRSAM provides exceptional manoeuvrability in its final phase. The Army established its first MRSAM Regiment in the eastern sector in 2023.
In December 2020, the DRDO carried out the first test launch of the MRSAM (Army version) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, situated off the Odisha coast.
The missiles will be supplied by BDL under the “Buy (Indian)” category, featuring predominantly indigenous content. This initiative is expected to generate approximately 350,000 mandays of employment within the country’s defence industry, including contributions from various medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs).
The government’s focus on self-reliance in defence production has led to increased investments in domestic arms manufacturing. Retail investors are channeling funds into defense stocks, anticipating substantial growth in the sector. Major companies like Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Dynamics, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders have experienced burgeoning order books, reflecting the government’s push for indigenization. The Nifty India Defence index has outperformed broader market indices, indicating strong investor confidence in the sector's prospects.
