QR SAM to be ordered in 2025; Akash NG & VL-SRSAM in 2026
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) is currently developing a wide array missiles to be inducted in the coming years in service of our armed forces. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a DPSU is an important production partner of DRDO in these programs. BDL has released information on when they expect orders to be placed for currently under development weapon systems by DRDO.
Surface to Air Missile (SAM)
Among various systems currently 3 types of Surface to Air Missile systems are closer to induction. These include Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) for Indian Army to replace legacy OSA-AK. The orders will likely be placed in financial year 2025-26. Akash NG, the new SAM for Indian Airforce is also under testing and is likely to be ordered in FY 2026-27. The VL-SRSAM, a replacement for Barak-1 in Indian Navy is likely to be ordered in FY 2026-27.
ATGMs
Next up are Anti-Tank missiles. India is striving hard to achieve self reliance in this sector. The NAG ATGM is likely to be ordered in 2025. HELINA/DHRUVASTRA, the helicopter launched ATGM which will arm HAL Rudra & HAL Prachand in Indian Army & IAF service will also be ordered in FY 2025-26. Manportable ATGM (MPATGM) for Indian Army will be ordered in FY 2026-27.
The successor of Nirbhay Cruise Missile & ITCM programs the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) will be ordered in 2027-28 FY. Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) for IAF will be ordered in coming FY of 2024-25.
Torpedos
DRDO is also developing new torpedos for Indian Navy. Advanced Light Weight Torpedo, a successor of TAL will be ordered in 2025-26 FY. And Electrical Heavy Weight Torpedo is expected to be ordered in FY 2026-27 for Indian Navy.
Indian Armed Forces are looking to acquire offensive capacity based on UAVs. To fullfill that role DRDO is currently developing ULPGM (UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile) and it will be ordered in FY 2024-25.
BDL developments
Apart from these weapons BDL is also developing weapons inhouse. These include Amogha 3 ATGM, UAV launched missile & bombs. BDL expects orders for these systems too from by FY 2026-27.
Foreign partnerships
BDL is also collaborating with various foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and it is expected that BDL will get production orders soon. These include 70mm Laser Guided Rockets in 2024-25 FY & Israeli Spike ER-2 ATGM by 2025 end. BDL is also expecting a production order for ASRAAM Air-2-Air Missile to be launched from fighter jets & Mistral Air-2-Air Missiles to be launched from helicopters in the FY 2026-27.
©IADN
