India Seals Rs 2,500 Crore Defence Deal for NAMIS Anti-Tank System & Light Vehicles

New Delhi, India – In a major push for military modernization and indigenous defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 2,500 crore contract for the procurement of the Nag Missile System (NAMIS-Tr) and 5,000 Light Vehicles for the Indian Armed Forces. The contracts, finalized under the ‘Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured)’ category, were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on March 27, 2025.

The deal marks a significant step in India's efforts to equip its forces with cutting-edge, homegrown weapon systems and mobility solutions. With growing security challenges on multiple fronts, the procurement of these advanced systems ensures that the Indian Army remains combat-ready and technologically superior in modern warfare.

NAMIS (Tr): India’s Answer to Modern Anti-Tank Warfare

A major chunk of the deal—Rs 1,801.34 crore—has been allocated for the acquisition of the NAMIS (Tr) weapon system, developed by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) under DRDO. The system represents a generational leap in anti-tank warfare, integrating a fire-and-forget missile with a high-tech sighting system designed to eliminate enemy armour with pinpoint precision.

The Indian Army has long been looking to strengthen its mechanized formations with an advanced, self-reliant anti-tank capability. NAMIS (Tr) fits that role perfectly, offering enhanced firepower, high mobility, and a rapid response mechanism against enemy armoured columns. Designed to operate in various combat scenarios, including high-intensity conflicts and asymmetric warfare, the system is expected to significantly boost the Army’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

With tensions along India's borders requiring a swift and effective response mechanism, the induction of NAMIS (Tr) provides a much-needed edge in countering enemy armoured threats. More importantly, the system’s indigenous development is a testament to India’s growing prowess in military technology and self-reliance in critical defence sectors.

5,000 Light Vehicles to Boost Mobility Across Tough Terrains

Alongside the advanced missile system, the government has also greenlit a procurement deal with Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd for around 5,000 Light Vehicles. Designed with modern engineering advancements, these vehicles feature enhanced engine power and a robust structure capable of carrying an 800 kg payload.

For an army that operates across some of the world’s most challenging terrains—be it the icy heights of Ladakh, the dense jungles of the Northeast, or the arid deserts of Rajasthan—mobility is a critical factor. These new-generation vehicles will enhance troop movement, logistical efficiency, and overall operational readiness, ensuring that the forces remain agile and responsive in any combat scenario.

A Push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in Defence

Beyond its battlefield implications, this procurement deal is a massive boost for India's domestic defence industry. The contracts align with the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting indigenous manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign arms suppliers.

By awarding these contracts to Indian firms, the government is not only strengthening the country’s military-industrial base but also creating substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities. The MSME sector, which plays a crucial role in manufacturing components for these advanced systems, stands to benefit significantly from these projects.

India’s Defence Modernization on the Fast Track

This latest acquisition is part of a broader strategy to modernize India’s armed forces with state-of-the-art equipment and ensure the military remains at the forefront of technological advancements. With geopolitical tensions in the region and an evolving threat landscape, India's focus on enhancing its firepower and mobility is more crucial than ever.

The induction of the NAMIS (Tr) system and modernized light vehicles will reinforce the Army’s combat capabilities, setting the stage for a more agile, well-equipped, and self-reliant force ready to take on future challenges.