Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) Sign ₹2,960 Crore Contract for MRSAM.
Defence
On January 16, 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), based in Hyderabad, Telangana, for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy (IN). The contract was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Defence Secretary of MoD.
- The MRSAM system is a joint development between the DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), in collaboration with both public and private sector industries in India, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This collaboration reflects a significant step in indigenizing defence capabilities.
- The MRSAM will be installed on various Indian Naval Ships (INS) and will also be integrated into upcoming naval platforms, enhancing the Navy’s air defense capabilities. The missile system will significantly improve India’s naval defense, providing better protection against aerial threats.
- Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, BDL will supply the MRSAMs under the 'Buy (Indian)' category, utilizing mostly indigenous components. This move aligns with the government's push for self-reliance in defense production and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.
Main Point :- (i) MRSAM is a high-response, quick-reaction, vertically launched supersonic missile designed to counter various aerial threats, including missiles, aircraft, guided bombs, and helicopters. The missile system is used by the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force in different variants, strengthening the air defense across the three services.
(ii) The missile itself is 4,500 millimeters long, 225 millimeters in diameter, and weighs approximately 275 kilograms. It is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously at a range of up to 70 kilometers, providing a comprehensive defense against a variety of aerial threats.
(iii) The missile system is powered by an indigenously developed rocket motor and control system, offering high flexibility, especially in the terminal phase. In December 2020, the DRDO conducted the first successful launch of the MRSAM (Army Version) from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The Indian Army established its first MRSAM Regiment in the Eastern Sector in 2023, marking a key milestone in its air defense strategy.
About Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) : Commodore A Madhavarao (Retd.)
Headquarters : Hyderabad
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