MR-SAM Missiles: The Ministry of Defence has taken a significant step to boost India’s naval capabilities by signing a ₹2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd for more than 70 medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MR-SAMs). These advanced missiles, developed in collaboration with Israel, are set to equip the Navy’s frontline warships, further enhancing their combat readiness.
Speaking about the agreement, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh called it “a critical milestone” in India’s efforts to indigenize advanced military technology and bolster defence capabilities. “The MR-SAM system is already a standard feature on several Indian warships and will be a key component of most future naval platforms,” he added, according to TOI.
The MR-SAM, also known as the next-generation Barak-8, has been developed through joint efforts between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries. Initially funded with over ₹30,000 crore, the system has been adopted by all three branches of the armed forces—the Navy, Air Force, and Army.
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The missiles are designed to destroy various aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles, at ranges of up to 70 kilometers. The Navy currently deploys these systems on advanced warships such as the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, the Kolkata-class destroyers, and the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, including the recently commissioned INS Surat.
In February 2023, the Army also inducted its first MR-SAM regiment, named ‘Abhra,’ into the 33 Corps, which defends the strategic Sikkim border and the Siliguri Corridor.
Advanced Features of MR-SAM
Highlighting the system’s cutting-edge design, an official noted, “The MR-SAM provides point and area air defence against a range of threats, including fighters, UAVs, helicopters, guided and unguided munitions, and cruise missiles.”
The missile system is engineered to operate effectively in high-stakes, saturation scenarios, engaging multiple targets simultaneously. “It is capable of engaging threats at ranges of up to 70 kilometers and uses an indigenously developed rocket motor and control system for high maneuverability during the terminal phase,” another official explained.
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This contract underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology. The deployment of MR-SAM systems is expected to significantly strengthen the operational capabilities of the Navy and the armed forces at large.
“The Indian Navy continues to modernize and equip itself with state-of-the-art systems, ensuring it remains combat-ready to address emerging threats,” a ministry official said. This deal not only enhances India’s defensive posture but also represents progress toward indigenizing critical defence technology.
