India opens missile production to private firms

India will permit private companies to manufacture the DRDO‑developed Astra Mark 2 air‑to‑air missile, marking the first opening of a strategic weapons programme to the private sector. The Ministry of Defence plans to invite bids from firms such as Adani, Tata Group, Mahindra Group, Bharat Forge and ICOMM, with production to remain under strict government supervision while DRDO retains design control.

The move is intended to expand missile output, address rising demand from the Indian armed forces and potential export markets – notably interest from Indonesia – and create skilled jobs under the Make‑in‑India initiative. It follows Operation Sindoor, which highlighted the importance of stand‑off precision weapons. Officials say a request for proposal will be issued shortly, and the next system slated for private‑sector production could be the Pralay tactical ballistic missile.

Security experts warn that private‑sector involvement raises concerns about quality control, cybersecurity and safeguarding classified technology, calling for robust oversight mechanisms.