MoD and BDL Signed a Contract for MK-I Missile

Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a Rs 2,971 crores contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production of the ASTRA MK-I missile, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile (AAM). The contract was signed under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM) category’.

The contract was signed also to produce associated equipment for the missile for the Indian Air Force & Indian Navy.

The missile ASTRA MK-I BVR AAM, all its associated systems for its launch, ground handling and testing have been Indigenously designed & developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and this missile is technologically and economically superior to many such imported missile systems. The technology for the production of the missile will be transferred to BDL.

The missile provides large Stand-Off Ranges to own fighter aircraft which can neutralize the adversary aircraft without exposing itself to adversary Air Defence measures, thereby gaining & sustaining superiority of the Air Space.

The successful trials of the missile are fully integrated on the Su 30 MK-I fighter aircraft. It will be integrated with other fighter aircraft in a phased manner, including the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas) and the Indian Navy’s MiG 29K fighter aircraft.

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is the only company in India involved in manufacturing various types of missiles and underwater weapons for supply to the Indian Armed Forces and friendly foreign countries. As of 31 March 2022, the Government of India held a 74.93% stake in the company.

   Important points for the exam:

• Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 2,971 crores contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the production of the ASTRA MK-I missile, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile (AAM). 
• The contract was signed under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM) category’.
• The contract was signed also to produce associated equipment for the missile for the Indian Air Force & Indian Navy.
• The missile ASTRA MK-I BVR AAM, all its associated systems for its launch, ground handling and testing have been Indigenously designed & developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and this missile is technologically and economically superior to many such imported missile systems.
• The missile provides large Stand-Off Ranges to own fighter aircraft which can neutralize the adversary aircraft without exposing itself to adversary Air Defence measures, thereby gaining & sustaining superiority of the Air Space.

   Facts to know:

• Union Minister of Defence: Mr.Rajnath Singh.
• Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) was established in 1970 in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Chairman of BDL: Commodore Siddharth Mishra