NEW DELHI: The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), in collaboration with Aerospace Services India (ASI) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), organized the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) India Eco-System Summit 2.0 at the prestigious Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on May 7.
This day-long summit served as a platform to bring together India’s key defence stakeholders, reflecting the country’s commitment to strengthening its air and missile defence capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make-in-India initiatives.
The summit witnessed active participation from senior representatives of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Armed Forces, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, and other prominent Indian defence manufacturers.
Summit Highlights and Key Discussions
- The MRSAM India Ecosystem Summit 2.0 kicked off with remarks by Maj Gen Ashok Kumar (Retd), DG CENJOWS, and Reuven Azar, Ambassador of Israel to India, underscoring the growing depth of India-Israel defence cooperation.
- Col (Res.) Chaim Moriya from the IDF delivered a presentation tracing Israel’s military history through past conflicts, offering insights into Israel’s defence landscape.
- Maj Gen Roopesh Mehta, SM, VSM, presented a memento to Col (Res.) Chaim Moriya in recognition of his contribution.
- A high-impact panel featuring Lt Gen Dr. A.P. Singh (Retd), Air Marshal Anil Chopra, and Maj Gen Roopesh Mehta explored the critical aspects of air defence doctrine and operational philosophy.
- Dr. Mahesh Rajpurohit, Program Director, MRSAM (IA & IAF), highlighted the progress of the Indo-Israeli joint venture in MRSAM.
- A special session focused on air defence lessons from Israel and Ukraine, providing valuable insights for India’s defence preparedness.
A significant highlight of the summit was the emphasis on the achievements of the ASI-IAI’s wholly-owned Indian subsidiary. This subsidiary plays a critical role in providing technical representation, life-cycle support, and local manufacturing for the MRSAM system, including its subsystems like the BARAK 8 missile and Air Defence Fire Control Radar.
Synergy between Defence Industry and Private Sector
- Mr. Oded Jacobowitz, VP & GM, AMDS, IAI, and Chairman, ASI, shared insights on the evolving MRSAM ecosystem in India.
- Commodore Girish Pradhan presented the evolution and challenges of the MRSAM system.
- Mr. Rajneesh Sharma (BEL) showcased the journey of Bharat Electronics Limited in the MRSAM program.
- Mr. Bhaskar Puri (Invest India), Mr. Yatan Mishra (TASL), and Mr. Kaushal Jadia (Cyient-DLM) provided industry perspectives.
- Dr. Samson, CEO, BIA, highlighted the synergy between IAI and BEL.
DG CENJOWS concluded the MRSAM Summit by highlighting the importance of jointmanship, technological synergy, and the path toward self-reliance in air defence. The MRSAM India Eco-System Summit 2.0 concluded with a strong message of collaboration, innovation, and self-reliance, setting the stage for further advancements in India’s air defence capabilities.
