India may open missile manufacturing to private companies amid rising global demand

India is preparing to open parts of its missile manufacturing sector to private companies as demand for indigenous defence systems from friendly countries continues to grow. According to reports, the Defence Ministry is expected to invite private firms to manufacture select missile systems, marking a significant shift in India's defence production strategy.

The move is aimed at increasing production capacity while supporting the country's growing defence exports under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Reports suggest that the Astra Mark 2 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and the Pralay tactical missile could be among the first systems produced by private Indian firms, subject to government approvals and procurement processes.

Opening missile production to the private sector is expected to reduce manufacturing bottlenecks, strengthen India's defence industrial base, and help meet both domestic military requirements and export commitments. The initiative also reflects India's broader push to involve private industry in advanced defence technologies while expanding its footprint in the global defence market.