India approves transfer of missile technology to defence industry

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has greenlit the transfer of technology behind India's conventional missile systems to private defence industry entities, marking a pivotal step in bolstering domestic missile capabilities. This move will permit Indian companies to manufacture these systems independently, following stringent qualifications, certifications, and regulatory guidelines.

The technology transfer encompasses several missile systems, including beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile ASTRA, surface-to-air anti-radiation missiles RUDRAM, VSHORADS, anti-tank guided missile NAG, and short-range missile systems like the Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM). Notably, strategic missiles Agni and the K-series missiles remain outside the scope of this technology transfer.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted that this transfer is a significant stride towards fostering greater involvement of domestic industry in the defence sector, enabling them to participate in the indigenous production of advanced defence systems. The initiative is expected to bolster operational capability, diminish import dependence, and stimulate domestic value addition, thereby fortifying India's defence manufacturing sector.