Tech Desk: India’s defence manufacturing landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with the combat-proven Astra Mk-1 missile leading the charge for enhanced India missile exports. Following its successful deployment in Operation Sindoor, Indonesia became the first international customer in 2026, signaling a new era for indigenous defence technology on the global stage. This success story now paves the way for the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM), poised to become India’s next major export.

Based on the reliable Astra Mk-1, the VL-SRSAM offers a rapid-response, 360-degree interception capability against a wide array of aerial threats, from fighter jets and sea-skimming anti-ship missiles to drones. Initially projected for a 40 km range, recent reports confirm its operational range has doubled to an impressive 80 km, elevating it to the medium-range air defence category. Its compact quad-pack design allows for a much higher engagement density, making it a formidable complement to existing systems like MRSAM.

The appeal of India missile exports, particularly the VL-SRSAM, stems from several key advantages. It inherits the ‘combat-proven’ tag from Astra, offers significant cost savings (20-50% cheaper than Western alternatives), and comes with less political encumbrance. This combination has already garnered substantial interest from nations like Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Malaysia, building on Astra’s export momentum.

With its development nearing completion and induction into the Indian Navy imminent, the VL-SRSAM is set to replace older Barak 1 systems and contribute to strategic initiatives like the “Capital Dome” air defence network. This trajectory firmly establishes India as a competitive and reliable player in the international defence market, with its advanced missile technology making significant inroads globally.