DRDO hands over air defense missile (MRSAM) System to Indian Air Force in presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

MRSAM will prove to be a game changer in the air-defence-system: Raksha Mantri

• MRSAM provides air defence against aerial threats like fighter aircraft, UAVs, guided and unguided munitions & cruise missiles
• Capable of engaging multiple targets at ranges up to 70 kilometres
• Indigenously developed rocket motor & control system for achieving high manoeuvrability
• State-of-the-art missile system

In a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities, the first deliverable Firing Unit (FU) of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) System was handed over to Indian Air Force (IAF) in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Air Force Station, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on September 09, 2021. The MRSAM (IAF) is an advanced network-centric combat Air Defence System developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in collaboration with the Indian industry comprising of private and public sectors including MSMEs.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr. G Satheesh Reddy handed over the first deliverable Firing Unit to Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria in the presence of Shri Rajnath Singh. During the event, DRDO and IAI officials demonstrated the capabilities of the MRSAM system, as part of the On-Site Acceptance Test (OSAT).

In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the joint efforts of DRDO, IAI, various inspection agencies, public & private industry partners in developing, what he termed, one of the best state-of-the-art missile systems in the world. “With the handing over of MRSAM system to IAF, we have taken a giant leap towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ as envisioned by our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It will prove to be a game-changer in the air-defense system,” he said.

The Raksha Mantri 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. He stated that modernization of the Armed Forces and building a self-reliant defense industry are being accorded top priority. Stressing on the need for a strong military, he said Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the security and overall development of the country.

He listed out the measures taken by the Government, including setting up of Defence Industrials Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; corporatization of Ordnance Factory Board; notification of two positive indigenization lists of over 200 items to increase exports and Transfer of Technology (ToT) by DRDO to the private sector. He expressed confidence that India will soon become self-reliant in defense manufacturing as well as a global manufacturing hub of defense systems.

Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to bolster the technological base through indigenous research, design, and development, with a focus on ‘Make in India, ‘Make for the world’. He highlighted that close cooperation between technology partners & friendly countries has led to rapid progress towards realizing this vision and the development of MRSAM is a great example of such collaborative effort.

The Raksha Mantri described the development of the 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 defense industrial base of India and Israel, he added. On the creation of new test facilities and infrastructure in the development of this program, Shri Rajnath Singh said it will be helpful in producing quality products for both countries in the future. He termed the sub-systems being manufactured for this program as a great example of synergy between Indian public and private sector companies.

On the occasion, the Raksha Mantri remembered former President Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, terming him a visionary who paved the way for self-reliance in the defense sector, especially in the missile development program. He said around 30 years ago Dr. Kalam initiated the Integrated Missile Development Programme at a time when scientists were facing various restrictions in the field of technology. Despite all this, the Raksha Mantri said, the success of the program not only ensured self-reliance in missile development but also thwarted the possibility of any cross-border threat.

The MRSAM system provides point and area air defense 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 kms in severe saturation scenarios. The missile is powered by an indigenously developed rocket motor and control system for achieving high maneuverability 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).

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria congratulated the efforts of the entire team of MRSAM (IAF) and stated that the system will bolster the air defense capabilities of the country. DRDO Chairman Dr. G Satheesh Reddy complimented the teams involved in the development of the MRSAM System.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, AOC-in-C SWAC Air Marshal Sandeep Singh and President & IAI CEO Mr. Boaz Levy, and other senior civil & military officials were also present on the occasion.

Disclaimer: this is an official press release by pib.