The Defence Ministry on Friday signed a contract with public sector undertaking Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of 4960 MILAN-2T anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to the Indian army at a cost of Rs 1,188 crore. The repeat order, of the contract which was first signed with BDL in 2016, will further boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the government.

The Milan-2T is a Tandem Warhead ATGM with the range of 1,850 metres, produced by BDL under license from MBDA Missile Systems, France. These missiles can be fired from ground as well as vehicle-based launchers and can be deployed in Anti-Tank Role for both offensive & defensive tasks. Induction of these missiles will further enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces. Induction is planned to be completed in three years.

This project is a big opportunity for the defence industry to showcase its capability and will be a step in the direction of achieving the goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the defence sector.

Earlier this week, Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik had told Lok Sabha that the Indian Navy had placed orders for various indigenous aircraft and submarines which included aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), 12 Dorniers, 16 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH MK III), 8 Chetak helicopters and six Scorpene class submarines being built by Mazagon Dock and Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under Project-75.

He informed that the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic had impacted the delivery schedule of the submarines and caused delay in some other projects due to the supply chain disruptions.