India to Open Missile Manufacturing Sector to Private Players

In a significant policy shift aimed at bolstering India’s defence industrial base, the Ministry of Defence is preparing to invite private sector participation in the manufacturing of advanced missile systems. Reports indicate that the government will soon float a Request for Proposal (RFP) to allow private Indian firms to produce critical weapon systems, with the Astra Mark 2 (beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile) and the Pralay (quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile) identified as the initial projects for this transition. Historically, the production of complex missile systems has been the exclusive domain of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its public sector undertakings. By opening this sector to private players, the government aims to achieve several strategic objectives. Firstly, it seeks to enhance the scale of production to meet the growing demand from friendly foreign nations, thereby positioning India as a reliable global defence exporter. Secondly, this move is expected to foster a competitive ecosystem, driving innovation, reducing production lead times, and lowering costs through private sector efficiency.