Modernisation of the Armed Forces and building a self-reliant industry are top priority, says Singh
The first deliverable Firing Unit (FU) of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) System, developed jointly by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with India’s private and public sectors including MSMEs, was handed over to Indian Air Force (IAF) on 9 Sept 2021.
Witnessing the handing over of the advanced network centric combat Air Defence System, MRSAM, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the development of MRSAM system as a shining example of the close partnership between India and Israel, adding that handing over of the system to IAF has taken this decades-old friendship to greater heights.
It has played an important role in strengthening the defence industrial base of India and Israel, he added.
He highlighted that close cooperation between technology partners and friendly countries has led to rapid progress towards the development of MRSAM. It is a great example of such collaborative effort.
On the creation of new test facilities and infrastructure in the development of this programme, Singh said it will be helpful in producing quality products for both the countries in the future.
He also termed the sub-systems being manufactured for this programme as a great example of synergy between Indian public and private sector companies.
Further, the Minister reiterated the Government’s resolve to strengthen the security infrastructure of the country to deal with any challenges arising out of the rapidly changing global strategic scenario.
Modernisation of the Armed Forces and building a self-reliant defence industry are being accorded top priority, assured the Minister, stressing on the need for a strong military.
The Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the security and overall development of the country, said Singh.
He listed out measures taken by the Government, including setting up of Defence Industrials Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board, notification of two positive indigenisation lists of over 200 items to increase exports and Transfer of Technology (ToT) by DRDO to the private sector.
India, he said, will soon become self-reliant in defence manufacturing as well as a global manufacturing hub of defence systems.
Singh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to bolster the technological base through indigenous research, design and development, with focus on ‘Make in India, ‘Make for the world’.
The MRSAM system provides point and area air defence for ground assets against a wide range of threats including fighter aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, guided and unguided munitions, sub-sonic & supersonic cruise missiles etc. It is capable of engaging multiple targets at ranges up to 70-km in severe saturation scenarios. The missile is powered by indigenously developed rocket motor and control system for achieving high manoeuvrability during the terminal phase.
The firing unit comprises of Missiles, Combat Management System (CMS), Mobile Launcher Systems (MLS), Advanced Long Range Radar, Mobile Power System (MPS), Radar Power System (RPS), Reloader Vehicle (RV) and Field Service Vehicle (FSV).
Congratulating the efforts of the entire team of MRSAM (IAF) on the occasion, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria said the system will bolster the air defence capabilities of the country. #manufacturing #technology #makeinindia #investment /fiinews.com
