In a major step towards enhancing India’s naval defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth approximately Rs 2,960 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy. The agreement, formalized on January 16, 2025, in New Delhi, marks a key milestone in India’s efforts to indigenize its military technology and enhance its maritime security. This contract underscores India’s growing self-reliance in advanced defence systems, aligning with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).

Strengthening India’s Naval Defence

The MRSAM system is set to become a standard feature on multiple Indian Naval ships, with plans to equip the majority of future platforms under development. These surface-to-air missiles significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s air defence capabilities, providing a formidable countermeasure against aerial threats such as fighter jets, missiles, and drones. The integration of MRSAM into the Navy’s fleet will position India as one of the select few nations with such niche capabilities.

As part of the “Buy (Indian)” category, the MRSAM missiles are largely indigenous, contributing to India’s defence indigenization goals. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the manufacturer of the system, has been pivotal in this achievement, with production being carried out under the collaboration between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The contract also highlights the role of Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), generating an estimated 3.5 lakh man-days of employment.

Successful Testing and Operational Readiness

The Indian Navy achieved a notable milestone in 2023 when it successfully test-fired the MRSAM from the frontline warship INS Visakhapatnam. The missile demonstrated its ability to serve not only as an air defence weapon but also as an anti-ship missile, validating its versatility in combat scenarios. Additionally, the Navy recently conducted a successful “cooperative engagement firing” test, further enhancing its anti-air warfare capabilities.

This cooperative engagement is a game-changing strategy in naval combat, wherein multiple ships can operate in tandem to counter aerial threats efficiently. By using shared radar and communication systems, the ships can exchange real-time targeting data, preventing the need for redundant missile launches against a single target. This method also reduces the chance of enemy detection, providing a strategic advantage in naval warfare.

India Joins an Elite Group of Navies

With the successful validation of cooperative engagement and the MRSAM’s operational capabilities, the Indian Navy has joined a select group of global naval forces that possess this sophisticated anti-air warfare technology. The ability to coordinate missile defence across multiple platforms provides India’s Navy with a significant edge over adversaries, both in terms of operational flexibility and effectiveness.

The MRSAM system will be deployed on several of the Indian Navy’s advanced warships, including the Kolkata-class destroyers, and will feature prominently on all major future naval platforms. The integration of this system into the Navy’s operational framework is expected to dramatically enhance its maritime security posture, particularly in a region marked by growing maritime threats.

A Step Toward Enhanced Defence Cooperation

The collaboration between DRDO, IAI, and BDL has not only advanced India’s technological capabilities but also deepened international defence partnerships. The ongoing efforts to develop and deploy indigenous systems like MRSAM demonstrate India’s commitment to enhancing self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing while fostering collaboration with global partners.

As the Indian Navy continues to modernize its fleet, the inclusion of MRSAM will play a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests. This step aligns with India’s broader defence strategy to strengthen its position as a dominant regional power while ensuring its forces are equipped with the latest technologies.