MICA missile MRO agreement to set up Indian Air Force facility with MBDA support

European missile maker MBDA said on Wednesday it signed an agreement with the Indian Air Force. The deal covers building local capability to maintain, repair and conduct midlife overhaul MRO of MICA missiles. MBDA said the work supports India’s defence sustainment and readiness goals. The company linked the move to Atmanirbhar Bharat, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020.

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Under the plan, the Indian Air Force will set up, run and maintain the MRO facility. MBDA will provide industrial machinery and tools, data packages, and training support. MBDA also said the site should cut turnaround time for missile servicing. The company added it will strengthen operational capability and readiness for the Indian armed forces.

MBDA MICA missiles MRO facility plan for the Indian Air Force

MBDA said local facilities will build long-term capability inside India. It said this approach will help secure technical skills for years ahead. MBDA added it will support India’s strategic autonomy goals. The company said these aims match the core principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The statement framed the project as part of sustained self-reliance efforts.

The company said India and MBDA have worked together for a long time. It traced ties back to early periods of air-to-air missile use. MBDA said the Indian Air Force has relied on its missile systems. It added that the systems served multiple aircraft types. The statement described this history as a continuing partnership.

MBDA missile systems role with Indian Air Force Rafale jets

MBDA said its Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile is central to Rafale weapons. It also said the Scalp cruise missile is part of the Rafale package. The company’s statement linked these systems to the Indian Air Force fleet. It did not give numbers of missiles or aircraft. It focused on the weapons’ place in service.

MBDA said it has two current priorities in India. It said the first is supplying the highest performing missile technologies. It said the second is supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat through partnership. The company also cited more than 50 years of support to the Indian Air Force. It said it recognises the value of sovereignty for the force.

MBDA said it remains committed to Make in India. The company said the aim is industrial sovereignty alongside strong military equipment. It described itself as a reliable partner for the Indian Air Force. The firm said the new MICA MRO capability fits that approach. It added the facility is meant to help sustainment needs over time.

With inputs from PTI