Context: Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS), a joint venture between India and Israel has rolled out its first batch of the 1000 midsection Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) kits to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.

About Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS)

• It a joint venture between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd and Israel-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
• It is India’s first private sector Missile sub-systems manufacturing facility.
• It is India's first private sector Missile sub-systems manufacturing entity.
• It will be engaged in development of a wide range of advanced capabilities like Missile Technology, Command Control and Guidance, Electro-Optics, Remote Weapon Systems, Precision Guided Munitions and System Engineering for Missile Integration.

Significance of MRSAM Kits for India

• It marked the beginning of the journey of an MSME Indian company that is committed not only to the “Make-in-India” concept but also taking its stride towards the larger “Atma Nirbharta” idea (self-reliance).
• It is the beginning of a new era, filled with self-confidence, a marked step-change in technological expertise, and a collective demonstration of capability to be the global manufacturing hub for defence products.