India to open strategic missile production to private firms amid export push, military expansion

India is set to open the production of key strategic missile systems to private defence companies as it seeks to boost domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthen its armed forces and meet rising export demand, particularly for the indigenously developed Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile.

The Defence Ministry is expected to soon issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting private firms, including ICOMM, Adani, Bharat Forge, the Tata Group and the Mahindra Group, to manufacture the DRDO-developed Astra Mark 2 missile. State-owned Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), the current producer, is unable to meet the growing requirements of both the Indian military and friendly foreign nations seeking the missile.

Indonesia has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the Astra Mark 2, which has a strike range of 180–200 km and is designed to counter China’s PL-15E long-range air-to-air missile, supplied to Pakistan before Operation Sindoor. The missile is slated for integration with Tejas Mk1A, MiG-29, Su-30MKI and Rafale Marine fighter aircraft.

The government is also planning to involve the private sector in the development and production of the 500-km-range Pralay tactical ballistic missile. Capable of travelling at nearly six times the speed of sound, Pralay is part of India’s expanding long-range precision strike capability alongside the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), next-generation BrahMos and the extended-range Pinaka rocket system.

Following Operation Sindoor, which highlighted the importance of stand-off precision weapons, the government is accelerating efforts to expand India’s missile and rocket arsenal. Officials are also strengthening the country’s layered air defence network to counter ballistic missiles, rockets and low-cost drones.

As part of these efforts, India is expected to receive its fifth S-400 air defence system from Russia in November. The government is also considering the procurement of five additional S-400 units to further enhance the country’s air defence capabilities. Meanwhile, India and Israel are jointly developing a long-range surface-to-air missile for naval platforms, while work continues on an integrated anti-missile and anti-drone defence network.