India is preparing for a Big Defence Shift as the government plans to allow private companies to manufacture advanced missiles.
The move could begin with the Astra Mk-2 missile program. This Big Defence Shift aims to increase production capacity and support the growing needs of the armed forces.
It also supports India's goal of becoming a stronger defense manufacturing hub. The Defense Ministry is expected to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select eligible private companies for missile production.
The proposed policy marks the first time private companies may manufacture an advanced indigenous air-to-air missile. The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the Astra Mk-2 as a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
The Defense Ministry is expected to invite bids from qualified Indian defense companies. Reports suggest several leading firms are likely to participate.
These companies include:
The government wants to expand production beyond state-owned facilities. The move comes as demand for advanced missile systems continues to rise.
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The government sees higher production capacity as a national priority. The Indian armed forces require more advanced missile systems. Export opportunities are also increasing.
Indonesia has reportedly shown interest in the Astra missile program. More export orders could follow as India expands its defense footprint.
State-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) currently manufactures several missile systems. However, its existing capacity may not meet future domestic and export demand.
The proposed policy could help achieve several goals:
The Astra Mk-2 offers a reported engagement range of 180 to 200 kilometers. The missile is designed to strengthen India's beyond-visual-range combat capability.
It is also expected to counter China's PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile.
The missile is planned for integration with several fighter aircraft, including:
Reports also suggest the Pralay missile could become the next indigenous program opened to private manufacturing.
Pralay is a tactical ballistic missile with a reported range of around 500 kilometers. It can reportedly reach speeds close to Mach 6.
If approved, the new policy could become one of India's biggest defense manufacturing reforms. It could reduce dependence on public sector production alone. It may also improve the country's ability to meet military and export requirements.
The proposal is still awaiting formal implementation. The Defense Ministry has not yet announced the policy officially. The expected RFP will mark the next step in opening missile manufacturing to private industry.
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