🛰️ Defence & Indigenous Technology

🚀 India’s Rs 2,960 Cr Missile Deal – Strengthening Naval Power and Self-Reliance

In a major step towards defence self-reliance, the Indian Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) to the Indian Navy.
This move aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, boosting domestic defence manufacturing and creating thousands of skilled jobs.

🎯 What is MRSAM?

• Type: Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
• Range: Between 1,000 km and 3,000 km
• Developed by:
  • DRDO (India)
  • Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
• Manufactured by: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
• Purpose: Designed to neutralise airborne threats like:
  • Combat jets
  • Helicopters
  • Cruise missiles
  • Enemy aircraft
• Land-based version: Known as BARAK-8

⚙️ Technical Highlights

• Launch Type: High-response, vertical launch
• Weight: 275 kg
• Trigger: Uses a proximity fuse, detonating when close to target
• Guidance:
  • Emits radio waves
  • Activates upon receiving reflected signals
• Control Options:
  • Radar-based remote operation
  • Onboard manual operation (e.g., from warships)

👷 Employment Generation – A National Boost

• Expected to generate 3.5 lakh man-days of employment
• Involves large-scale participation from:
  • Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
  • Local defence suppliers
  • Skilled workforce in electronics, engineering, and logistics

🇮🇳 Indigenous Focus – ‘Buy (Indian)’ Strategy

• The MRSAM system falls under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category
• Includes a high percentage of indigenous content
• Aims to reduce dependence on foreign defence imports

This reinforces India’s vision of building a robust and self-sufficient defence ecosystem.

⚓ ‘Make in India’ in Action – Naval Success

• India’s Navy has domestically built 39 out of 40 vessels
• Landmark projects include:
  • INS Vikrant – India’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier
  • INS Arihant & INS Arighaat – Nuclear-powered submarines

This showcases India’s capacity for high-end indigenous naval engineering.

📈 Growth in Defence Production

• Defence production value: Exceeds ₹1.25 lakh crore
• Export reach: Over 100 countries
• The government is establishing dedicated manufacturing hubs to:
  • Enhance defence exports
  • Build technological capacity
  • Support private sector innovation

🕯️ When we build from within, we defend not just our borders—but our future.