The European missile major, MBDA is eyeing further growth in the Indian market with its participation at the ongoing airshow. MBDA has a longstanding presence in India for over 50 years and is closely collaborating with a growing Indian industrial ecosystem, including its joint venture L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd, India SMEs and Defence Public Sector Undertakings such as Bharat Dynamics Limited. L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd, MBDA’s joint venture with Larsen & Toubro is also showcasing the work it performs in Coimbatore. Besides VL SRSAM, other results of the strong local co-operation ability of MBDA in India include the ATGM5 anti-tank missile, proposed as an Indian designed, developed and manufactured next generation battlefield missile to meet the needs of Indian operators.
Over 50,000 MBDA-designed missiles have been manufactured in India in partnerships with Indian industry to date.
At the ongoing airshow, MBDA is showcasing its weapons portfolio supplied for the Indian Air Force’s Dassault Rafale fighter jets, including the beyond visual range Meteor air-to-air missile, which is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor giving it a no-escape zone many times greater than any other air-to-air missile.
The IAF also selected the ASRAAM as its Next Generation Close Combat Missile capability and it is equipping IAF Jaguar and Tejas combat aircraft. MBDA’s Sea Ceptor naval air defence system is being offered to the Indian Navy for its VL SRSAM requirement with its Indian joint venture partner.
