Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a defense Public Sector Unit, announced on Friday that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s Rosoboronexport (ROE) to collaborate on the self-propelled Pantsir air defense missile-gun systems. BDL posted on social media that the partnership involves joint work on Pantsir variants and advanced air defense missile-gun systems.
The MoU was signed by BDL’s CMD Cmde A Madhavarao (Retd) and Kovalenko German, Deputy Director General of ROE’s Naval Department, during the 5th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) subgroup meeting in Goa.
According to Rosoboronexport, the Pantsir-S1 air defense system integrates missile and gun technology, offering quick response and the ability to engage air targets while on the move. Designed to protect small military, administrative, and industrial sites, it can defend against aircraft, cruise missiles, and high-precision weaponry and can enhance air defense units during large-scale air attacks.
This agreement marks BDL’s first partnership with Rosoboronexport on a system that expands India’s air defense capabilities. The Pantsir system can target objects within 1,200 to 20,000 meters with missiles and 200 to 4,000 meters with guns, with missiles reaching altitudes up to 15,000 meters and guns engaging targets up to 3,000 meters. It can engage up to four targets at once, including high-speed threats moving at up to 1,000 meters per second.
This MoU also reflects India’s renewed defense cooperation with Russia following the Ukraine conflict. Previously, India acquired three S-400 Triumf air defense missile regiments from Russia, with two more scheduled to arrive by the end of 2025, though delivery timelines have faced delays due to ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is a leading defense public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, specializing in the manufacture of guided missile systems and allied defense equipment.
Established in 1970, BDL has been instrumental in enhancing India’s defense capabilities, producing a wide range of missiles such as anti-tank guided missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and torpedoes. The company collaborates with organizations like DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and global defense firms to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
With its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, BDL plays a crucial role in bolstering the Indian armed forces. As a key player in India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative, BDL is driving innovation in defense technology and contributing to the nation’s strategic security objectives.
