The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy at a cost of approximately ₹2,960 crore.
On January 16, 2025, the contract was signed between the MoD and BDL officials in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
Overview of the MRSAM
The Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), originally known as Barak-8, is a significant component of the Indian Navy’s air defense capabilities. It was jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The system is designed to engage various aerial threats, including aircraft and missiles, at ranges of up to 70 kilometers. The missile measures 4.5 meters in length and weighs approximately 276 kilograms. It features a dual-pulse solid propulsion system that enables it to reach speeds of up to Mach 2.
Each MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) system includes a command and control unit, tracking radar, and mobile launchers that can deploy up to eight canisterized missiles. Its advanced guidance system uses an active radar seeker and a bidirectional data link for real-time target engagement. This ensures high accuracy while minimizing collateral damage, thanks to its explosive warhead equipped with a self-destruct fuse.
The system has proven to be effective for the Indian Navy, having successfully completed multiple tests from various ships, including the INS Kolkata and INS Kochi.
The MRSAM system will be a standard feature on multiple Indian naval ships and is planned to be installed on most future platforms that will be acquired. This contract represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance India’s defense capabilities and to indigenize advanced military technology.
In October 2024, Bharat Electronics and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced a joint venture called BEL IAI AeroSystems. This venture will serve as the exclusive point of contact for technical and maintenance-related life cycle support for the MRSAM in the Indian Armed Forces.
This contract is aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The missiles supplied by BDL will feature more indigenous content. The contract is expected to generate approximately 3.5 lakh mandays of employment in the defense industry, including various MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
The MRSAM system significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s capability to defend against aerial threats, playing a crucial role in maintaining maritime security and operational readiness. The integration of this advanced missile system aligns with India’s broader strategy for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
