NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy has signed a significant contract valued at Rs 2,960 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM). The agreement was formalized in New Delhi on Thursday, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh attending the signing ceremony.

The MRSAM system, already a core component of several Indian naval vessels, will also be equipped on most future ships. This contract is a major milestone in boosting the Navy’s combat readiness while supporting locally developed defence technology. The Ministry of Defence highlighted, "This MRSAM contract reaffirms our dedication to advancing indigenous defence production."

Boost to Indigenous Manufacturing

Under the 'Buy (Indian)' procurement category, the missiles will include a high percentage of locally sourced components. This initiative is anticipated to generate about 3.5 lakh man-days of employment in the defence sector, benefiting numerous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the production process.

The contract aligns with the broader vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), aimed at reducing dependency on foreign imports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed the importance of this mission, mentioning that over 5,000 defence items have been identified by the armed forces for domestic production.

Recent Naval Achievements

In recent developments, the Prime Minister dedicated three advanced naval platforms to the nation: the destroyer INS Surat, the frigate INS Nilgiri, and the submarine INS Vaghsheer. These assets highlight India’s growing focus on domestic defence capabilities. “Our armed forces now operate with greater confidence, knowing their equipment is made in India,” said the Prime Minister.

Expanding Domestic Defence Capabilities

India’s Navy has made significant strides in indigenisation, constructing 39 of its 40 naval vessels domestically, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and nuclear submarines such as INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. Facilities like Mazagon Dockyard have played a crucial role in these achievements.

Beyond naval projects, the government has established key manufacturing hubs, such as a helicopter factory in Karnataka and a transport aircraft facility for the armed forces. Defence production has exceeded Rs 1.25 lakh crore, with exports reaching over 100 countries. “The transformation of India’s defence sector is gaining momentum and will continue to grow stronger with sustained efforts,” said the Prime Minister.

Driving Growth Through Defence Corridors

The MRSAM agreement is part of India’s broader strategy to bolster domestic manufacturing in the defence sector. Initiatives like the defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have been instrumental in accelerating production. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these efforts are critical for achieving self-reliance in defence technology and creating employment opportunities nationwide.