The Indian Navy has taken a significant step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing by inviting domestic companies to design and manufacture 80-mm aero rockets for its MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB carrier-based fighter jets. This move aims to reduce the Navy's dependence on foreign-origin munitions, as the entire inventory of this munition has so far been procured from a foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
Expression of Intent Issued
Dated May 26, the Expression of Intent (EoI) was issued by the Naval Armament Inspectorate (NAI) in Goa. This marks another step in the Navy's push to indigenize its weapons systems. The MiG-29K/KUB, a Russian-origin twin-engine aircraft, currently serves as the strike force on aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
Dual-Purpose Munition
The 80-mm aero rocket is a dual-purpose munition designed to neutralize armoured targets such as tanks and armoured personnel carriers, as well as unarmoured targets like radar installations, parked aircraft, and troop concentrations. According to the EoI, all sub-assemblies must be developed indigenously, with no dependence on foreign OEMs permitted.
Procurement Plan
The Navy plans to procure 273 live rockets and 2,400 practice rounds after a prototype successfully completes development and testing. The tentative timeline for induction is 2026-27. The weapon must remain functional in temperatures ranging from -60 degrees Celsius to +60 degrees Celsius, as per the EoI requirements.
