Indian Navy Initiates Indigenous Production of 80-mm Aero Rockets for MiG-29K Fleet

Key Facts

• The Indian Navy issued an Expression of Interest on 26 May 2026, inviting domestic companies to develop 80-mm unguided aero rockets for MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB carrier-based fighters.
• The rockets are unguided air-to-ground weapons, currently imported, used by about 42 Russian-origin MiG-29K aircraft operating from INS Vikramaditya (commissioned 2013) and INS Vikrant (commissioned 2022).
• Specifications: rocket weight approx. 11.3 kg; length approx. 1.54 meters; velocity 600 m/s; operational range from 1.3 km to 4 km.
• Performance requirements include penetration of 400 mm armor, generating a minimum of 400 fragments weighing around 3 grams each upon detonation.
• Operational conditions: temperature range -60°C to +60°C; fully sealed for altitudes up to 20,000 meters; shelf life minimum 15 years.
• The Navy requires a practice variant with identical flight characteristics but without a warhead for training purposes.
• Procurement plan includes 273 live high-explosive rockets and 2,400 practice rounds, contingent on prototype development and testing.
• Responses to the EoI must be submitted to the Naval Armament Inspectorate in Goa by 20 June 2026.

Background & Context

The MiG-29K is a multirole carrier-based fighter aircraft developed by Russia specifically for naval operations, with the MiG-29KUB serving as a twin-seat trainer variant. The Indian Navy operates these aircraft from its two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. Currently, the rockets used by these fighters are imported, leading to dependency risks and limiting indigenous production capabilities. To advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative — India’s broader vision of self-reliance, including in defense production — the Navy is seeking to develop and manufacture these critical munitions domestically, thereby strengthening strategic autonomy and operational readiness.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This initiative exemplifies India's push towards defense indigenization and self-reliance, a key theme in current competitive exams. Important details include the operational role of the MiG-29K fleet aboard INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant carriers, the technical specifications and requirements of the indigenous 80-mm rockets, and timelines associated with the EoI in 2026. The move's alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat and the planned scale of procurement also highlight India’s broader strategic and industrial objectives through 2047, a common area of examination focus. Knowledge of specific defense projects, modernization efforts, and equipment details strengthens candidate preparedness for questions on defense technology and policy developments.

Points to Remember

• Expression of Interest issued on 26 May 2026 by Indian Navy’s Naval Armament Inspectorate for indigenous 80-mm unguided air-to-ground rockets.
• Rockets specifications: ~11.3 kg; ~1.54 meters length; 600 m/s speed; 1.3-4 km operational range.
• Performance: penetrate 400 mm armor; produce at least 400 fragments (~3 g each).
• Functional in extreme temperatures (-60°C to +60°C) and altitudes (sealed up to 20,000 meters).
• Initial planned procurement: 273 live rockets, 2,400 practice rounds after prototype testing.
• Rockets deployed on about 42 MiG-29K/KUB fighters operating from INS Vikramaditya (commissioned 2013) and INS Vikrant (commissioned 2022).
• Submission deadline for EoI responses: 20 June 2026.
• The initiative is part of India’s defense self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) efforts targeting reduced import dependency.