Bengaluru: In a major boost for the 'Make in India' initiative in the defence sector, Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems Ltd has rolled out the first batch of Barak-8 MRSAM missile kits for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

It is a 49:51 ratio joint venture between Rafael Advanced Systems and Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd, with the Indian major holding a 51 per cent stake.

In July 2019, the joint venture had received a $100-million order to supply 1,000 Barak-8 MRSAM missile kits for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

The missile kits which were rolled out on Tuesday will now be moved to the defence public sector undertaking Bharat Dynamics Limited for further integration.

On the occasion, Kalyani Group CMD Baba Kalyani said, "This is the beginning of a new era, filled with self-confidence, a marked step-change in technological expertise and a collective demonstration of capability to be the global manufacturing hub for defence products. We are confident to complete the order far ahead of the stipulated time, and support the armed forces with the best in class missile kits."

Apart from the missile kits, "we will extend our support in Maintenance and Repair Operations as in-service Air Defence Missile System for the armed forces," he said.
 
Head of Air and Missile Defense Systems division of Rafael Advanced Defense System Brig Gen (Res) Pinhas Yungman said, "We have been a reliable partner to the Indian armed forces for almost three decades, and these missile kits are a testimony of our commitment to 'Make in India' cause."

"We are confident KRAS will not only build products for the Indian armed forces but will, at the same time, trigger and help achieve the Indian government's vision of exports from India," he added.
 
In August 2017, KRAS opened its facility in Hyderabad of Telangana for manufacturing the Spike anti-tank guided missiles for the Indian Army and other defence products. It is the first facility in the private sector to manufacture missiles.