MRSAM Contract for Indian Navy

January 17, 2025

Recently, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed contract worth Rs 2,960 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) to the Navy. This agreement marks India’s commitment to defence self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing and create substantial employment opportunities.

What is MRSAM?

It is a medium-range missile with a range between 1,000 km and 3,000 km.

Development: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
Production: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

Designed to counter airborne threats such as helicopters, combat jets, cruise missiles, and aircraft.
BARAK-8 is the land-based version of the MRSAM.

Technical Details of MRSAM:

Launch and Weight: High-response, vertically launched missile weighing 275 kg.
Functionality: Operates using a proximity fuse, which detonates when the target is nearby.
- It emits radio waves and activates based on reflected waves.
Control: Can be operated remotely using radar or directly from close distances (e.g., from a ship).

Employment Generation

The MRSAM contract is expected to generate approximately 3.5 lakh man-days of employment in the defence sector. This includes opportunities for various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the production process.

Focus on Indigenous Technology

The MRSAM systems will be produced under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, featuring indigenous content. This aligns with the broader goal of reducing reliance on foreign imports in defence.

Make in India Achievements

India’s Navy has made substantial strides in indigenisation, constructing 39 out of 40 naval vessels domestically. Notable projects include the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and nuclear submarines INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.

Defence Production Growth

Defence production in India has surpassed Rs 1.25 lakh crore, with equipment exports to over 100 countries. The government is establishing major manufacturing hubs to further enhance production capabilities.

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