New Delhi, Oct 6: The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 661.50 crore contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for the procurement of BrahMos Fire Control Systems and launchers for Indian Navy ships, ANI reported citing a release from the Ministry of Defence.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the contract was signed in New Delhi on Tuesday in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The procurement has been placed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, with a minimum of 68 per cent indigenous content, ANI reported.

The contract is aimed at strengthening the Indian Navy's maritime strike capabilities and enhancing India's maritime security. It will also increase the participation of Indian defence industries, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The project is expected to generate employment over a period of three years. The ministry said the contract will also help increase indigenous content in advanced military technology and strengthen India's defence capabilities. The BrahMos system is already deployed on several frontline Indian Navy warships and serves as one of the Navy's key surface-to-surface missile systems for maritime strike operations.

The system can engage both land and sea targets at extended ranges and supersonic speeds with high precision. The latest contract covers the Fire Control System and launchers required for deploying and operating the BrahMos missile system aboard naval platforms.

The deal is part of the government's wider push to promote indigenous defence production and reduce dependence on foreign technology. The minimum 68 per cent indigenous content requirement is expected to support domestic defence supply chains and encourage greater participation by Indian companies.

The Ministry of Defence said the project will contribute to the indigenisation of sophisticated military technology while enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. (With ANI inputs)