New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has finalized a significant Rs 2,500 crore contract aimed at enhancing India’s military capabilities. The deal includes the procurement of the Nag Missile System (NAMIS), a sophisticated anti-tank weapon, and 5,000 light vehicles for the armed forces. The contracts were signed in New Delhi under the Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in attendance.
According to the report, the deal involves an Rs 1,801 crore contract with Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL) for the supply of NAMIS, a third-generation anti-tank guided missile system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The system, known for its “fire-and-forget” and all-weather capabilities, is set to enhance the mechanised infantry’s operational readiness and firepower.
In addition to NAMIS, the Ministry has awarded contracts to Indian manufacturers Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. for 5,000 light vehicles. These vehicles are designed to improve troop mobility across various terrains and operational conditions.
The Ministry highlighted that the procurement will foster indigenisation, boost the domestic defence industry, and generate significant employment opportunities, particularly in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
These acquisitions reflect India’s growing push for self-reliance in defence, with an emphasis on local manufacturing. The deals align with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. The Ministry of Defence has also undertaken measures to increase domestic procurement, including phased bans on imports and raising the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit to 74% in defence manufacturing.
This contract comes just a day after the Ministry signed another major Rs 6,900 crore deal for locally produced artillery guns and associated vehicles, further bolstering the Indian Army’s modernization efforts.
