India to Procure 500 INVAR Missiles Worth ₹3,000 Crore from Bharat Dynamics Ltd
In a major step towards strengthening India’s defence preparedness, the Ministry of Defence is finalizing a deal worth ₹3,000 crore to procure 500 INVAR anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) from the state-run Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). This procurement aims to enhance India’s firepower and readiness along its western and northern borders.
Strategic Procurement Amid Broader Defence Push
Earlier this month, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved emergency procurements worth ₹40,000 crore to bolster the country’s defence readiness. This move is part of India’s broader push for faster acquisitions in light of modern warfare requirements.
The INVAR deal follows the Union government’s approval for the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet. This comes on the heels of the successful induction of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, showing India’s steady progress in indigenizing its defence manufacturing capabilities.
About INVAR Missiles
The INVAR missile is a highly advanced, anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) designed to be launched from T-90 tanks, which form a major part of India’s armoured forces. Key features of the INVAR missile include:
- Day and night operational capabilities
- Effective in all-weather conditions
- Can strike targets up to 5 kilometers away
- Specially designed to destroy heavily armoured vehicles
- Provides top-attack and direct-hit capabilities
This procurement is expected to significantly boost India’s tank-based offensive and defensive strength, especially along borders prone to hostile incursions.
Approval Process and Budget
Since the total value of the contract exceeds ₹3,000 crore, it requires clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The Ministry of Defence is currently working on obtaining this final approval.
The missiles will be equipped on the T-90 tanks, enhancing their effectiveness on the battlefield and increasing India’s capability to deter armoured attacks. The combination of the T-90’s mobility and firepower with the advanced INVAR missiles is seen as a crucial upgrade for India’s mechanized forces.
Complementary Indigenous Missile Programs
India is also pursuing several indigenous missile systems to enhance self-reliance, including:
- HELINA – a helicopter-launched anti-tank missile
- Dhruvastra – a land-attack variant of HELINA
Both are developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and support the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
Tactical Applications
The INVAR missile will serve various units including:
- Quick Reaction Forces (QRF)
- Infantry units operating with mechanized support
- Airborne forces needing heavy firepower
Its quick deployment and precision-strike ability make it an essential weapon in modern warfare, where rapid response and fire superiority can turn the tide of battle.
Conclusion
The ₹3,000 crore INVAR missile deal is a strategic acquisition that reinforces India’s commitment to modernizing its military with cutting-edge technology and indigenous solutions. Along with AMCA and other indigenous platforms, this procurement reflects a shift towards self-reliance in defence and operational superiority in border zones.
By empowering the armed forces with superior strike capability and enhancing the survivability of its armoured divisions, India is positioning itself as a formidable force in modern military theatre.
