India Strengthens Naval Defence: MoD Signs Rs 2,960 Crore Deal with BDL for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles.
New Delhi:
In a significant step towards bolstering the country’s naval defence capabilities and promoting indigenous manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has inked a Rs 2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy. The deal was formalized on January 16, 2025, in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The MRSAM system, which is designed to enhance the Navy’s defence capabilities, will be deployed onboard multiple Indian Naval Ships and is planned to be fitted on most future naval platforms under acquisition. This initiative is a crucial part of India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military and reduce dependency on foreign defence technologies.
In line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision, the missiles will be supplied under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category with a high level of indigenous content, marking a significant milestone in the country’s drive for defence indigenization. The contract is expected to generate around 3.5 lakh mandays of employment in the defence sector, including contributions from various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The signing of this contract not only strengthens India’s strategic capabilities but also reinforces the commitment to fostering a self-reliant and robust defence ecosystem, paving the way for greater technological advancements and economic growth within the sector.
