DRDO has been pursuing additional separate naval version of the SRSAM for the past 30 years but has failed miserably

Defence Acquisition Council has launched a new program to buy short-range surface-to-air missile systems from overseas to replace its ageing Israeli Barak-1 air defence systems. India had made a global request for information to purchase 10 SRSAM systems and 600 missiles at a cost of about $1.5 billion.

Under the program, overseas defence companies would need to forge partnerships with domestic companies to carry out 30 percent offsets obligations and include indigenous technology in the SRSAM systems.

The proposed SRSAM system should be capable of vertically launching Mach 3-class active seeker missiles that can provide 360-degree defence coverage to meet all naval air defence applications including the need to carry out multiple simultaneous engagements.

Each SRSAM system will have a command and control system, a fire control system, a command link radar and one launcher to carry between eight and 16 missiles depending upon the size of the warship. The system's is expected to be inducted within the next five years.

Domestic companies expected to partner on this project with overseas defence companies include private sector businesses TATA Power SED, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge, and Reliance Defence and Engineering as well as state-run enterprises Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Ordnance Factory Board.

Navy already has started taking deliveries of 70 km ranged Indo-Israeli developed long-range surface-to-air missile system (LRSAM) which are to be equipped on all front-line warships and last year also issued a tender for ten SRSAM systems and 600 missiles at a cost of around $1.5 billion as per latest DAC statement. (With reporting by Defensenews, The Hindi, Times of India, DNA & News Agencies)