Having sold Akash missiles to Armenia, BDL keen to get into global supply chain: CMD

We have signed several MOUs with various global players wherein we are going to manufacture cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art weapon systems in BDL. We have been in this business for the last 54 years, manufacturing state-of-the-art weapons. We started with collaboration with foreign OEMs, we were into the IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme) with the DRDO as the designer and we as the production agency.

Wherever there is a gap, we have been looking at foreign OEMs based on the requirement of the services and bridging this gap to continue the progress that is required for our different services.

Secondly, we have started working with most of the foreign OEMs to become part of their global supply chain, not only manufacturing for the Indian customers but also for their other customers.

We aim to commence production in India by January 2027, with the first batch of indigenously produced sonobuoys expected to be delivered that same year. Both companies are fully committed to this timeline, and we have strong governmental support. You may have seen the joint statement issued by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) recently — there is significant momentum to ensure this collaboration progresses swiftly.

The Indigenous content (IC) will be between 50-60 per cent, in line with the guidelines outlined in DAP 2020. The specific percentage depends on the nature of technology transfer (ToT), whether with or without Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Accordingly, we are adhering to these requirements, ensuring the IC content is 50 per cent, and upwards.

BDL has a robust ecosystem that includes around 3,500 MSMEs working with us. Our 54-year association with DRDO, we have developed a strong supply chain, starting with DRDO identifying capable MSMEs and supporting them in manufacturing high-tech products.

For every major programme we undertake, at least 200 MSMEs are actively involved. Additionally, we collaborate with all major players in the defence sector, including BEL, HAL, BEML, and DHANI, as well as private sector giants such as Tata, Mahindra, and L&T.

BDL is expanding in all three dimensions, which include underwater, ground, and air-based weapon systems. Over the next 3-5 years, we plan to double our production figures, and within the next 10 years, we aim to triple our output. To support this, we are investing approximately ₹2,000 crore over the next 5-6 years. Additionally, we are targeting 25 per cent of our revenue from exports, which is a crucial goal for us.

At present, we have an export order backlog of ₹2,500 crore and a total order book of ₹20,000 crore. This reflects strong demand for our products both domestically and internationally.

The Akash-NG is progressing. We have completed development trials with DRDO, and user trials are expected to begin soon. Additionally, there is a new initiative called KUSHA, based on the Akash-NG platform, which is designed for ranges exceeding 300 kilometers. This will be one of the key air defence missile systems in the future.

The complete missile is indigenously made and the seeker is being manufactured by BDL, along with DRDO. Presently, it is an Air Force project, however, as I see it, multiple versions of this will meet various requirements of all three services. 

DRDO is finalising the design and development, following which BDL will participate in development trials, user trials, and finally the procurement phase.

There are a lot of queries happening. You see, you are going to jeopardise the whole process if you ask me to reveal the names and countries.