Bengaluru-based MSA Global Technology & Engineering Pvt Ltd has achieved a significant milestone by securing a substantial supply contract with the Indian Army for over 50,000 ice axes and shovels. This contract represents a pivotal advancement in the complete indigenisation of high-altitude mountaineering equipment, marking the first time that these critical tools will be sourced entirely from domestic manufacturers, thereby ending reliance on imports.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Delhi, MSA Global has established itself as a leader in precision engineering solutions within the aerospace and defence sectors, with advanced manufacturing facilities located in Bengaluru. The company boasts a state-of-the-art centre of excellence that enables the production of high-tolerance equipment, aligning with the Indian Army’s stringent requirements for robust and reliable tools to be used in extreme conditions.
The announcement of the contract, shared via LinkedIn in early December 2025, underscores MSA Global’s increasing involvement in defence manufacturing. The company previously garnered attention for its collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science to develop all-metal barrels for the GRAD BM-21 rocket launcher system, showcasing its evolving technological capabilities.
Ice axes and shovels are vital for Army units deployed in super high-altitude regions, especially along the Line of Actual Control with China. In challenging areas such as Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, these tools play a crucial role in tasks such as snow clearance, trench digging, navigating icy slopes, and ensuring the safety of troops in sub-zero temperatures.
Historically, much of the Army’s specialised clothing and mountaineering equipment was imported. However, a strong push for indigenisation has led to an impressive 97 percent self-reliance across 55 of the 57 specialised items by late 2025, with trials ongoing for the remaining equipment. The contract with MSA Global serves as a clear symbol of this transformative journey.
This agreement aligns seamlessly with the Government of India’s initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, which have been instrumental in decreasing reliance on imports for ammunition, equipment, and soldier gear. Notably, in recent years, the Indian Army has reduced its ammunition import dependency from nearly 40 percent to below 10 percent, with similar trends now emerging in non-lethal equipment.
The supply of over 50,000 ice axes and shovels will significantly bolster the stockpiles for multiple regiments stationed in high-altitude installations. This will enable quicker replenishment, better customisation suited to Indian terrains, and a reduced risk of vulnerabilities stemming from global supply chain disruptions amid increasing border tensions.
Moreover, this contract enhances Bengaluru’s defence manufacturing landscape, which already hosts major players like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The deal is expected to promote job creation, encourage participation from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and facilitate technology transfer. Economically, the indigenisation effort is predicted to save valuable foreign currency and lower unit costs due to the benefits of domestic economies of scale.
Moving forward, MSA Global is poised to be a key player in India’s defence industrial base, with the potential to explore future opportunities in the production of artillery components, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subsystems, and other high-precision military hardware as the Army strives for complete self-reliance by 2026.
