European missile manufacturer MBDA and Indian firm Bharat Dynamics LTD (BLD) signed an agreement for the establishment of a facility for the final assembly, integration and testing (FAIT) of advanced short-range air-to-air missiles (ASRAAM) in India.
As reported by The Statesman, BDL and the UK subsidiary of MBDA signed a licensing agreement in this regard, and whereby MBDA will transfer equipment and expertise to BDL to establish the facility. Work will commence immediately and the facility is expected to start operations in 2022-23.
The agreement was signed by BDL CTO N.P. Diwakar and MBDA Director of International Industrial Cooperation George Kyriakides in the presence of BDL President and CEO Commodore Siddharth Mishra (Retd.) in a virtual ceremony. BDL Production Director P. Radhakrishna, Finance Director N. Srinivasulu, and senior officials from both companies were also present on the occasion.
Commodore Mishra commented that the signing of the license agreement reinforces BDL’s commitment to contribute to the government’s «Make in India» initiatives in the defense sector.
The ASRAAM is one of the most advanced missiles available and Indian Air Force (IAF) selected it as its future unified air-to-air combat weaponry within visual range (WVR). The ASRAAM will replace the older French Magic II and Russian R-73 Vympel, and will be integrated on all IAF fighters, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, and future Tejas.
BDL will manufacture them at its Bhanur unit for the domestic market and export in the future, through MBDA. The new facility will provide India with the capability to carry out final assembly, integration and testing of ASRAAM missiles.
This new ASRAAM facility will have the potential to also perform maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of Indian ASRAAM missiles. The facility can also be adapted to perform final assembly, integration and testing of MBDA’s CAMM anti-aircraft/anti-missile missile (which uses many ASRAAM components) used by the Sea Ceptor naval air defense system that has been offered to equip Navy ships.
The ASRAAM, an air combat weapon within visual range, is a new-generation close combat missile. Its low aerodynamic drag, unmatched speed and maneuverability throughout its flight and enhanced agility make it one of the best missiles in its class. The missile features «Lock On Before Launch» and «Lock On After Launch» operating modes for long-range combat.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKN_2ViE4eM&w=853&h=480]BDL is the only company in India engaged in the manufacture of various types of missiles and underwater weapons for supply to the Indian armed forces and friendly foreign countries. It also makes launchers, test equipment, missile refurbishment/life extension, and countermeasure systems for the domestic and international market.
