Aligning with government’s initiative on rare earth independence, the sole State-owned Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd (MIDHANI), is focusing on indigenous development of advanced alloys and strategic materials and expanding and modernising manufacturing capacities and technological infrastructure, especially legacy equipment. In an exclusive interview with businessline’s Dalip Singh, MIDHANI CMD Dr SVS Narayana Murty says that over the next decade, PSU expects significant advancements, among others, in next-generation superalloys, advanced titanium alloys and high temperature aerospace materials. Edited excerpts:
India is pushing defence indigenisation in critical materials. What is the roadmap to localise them?
Since its incorporation in 1973, MIDHANI has been at the forefront of developing indigenous metallurgical capabilities for strategic sectors. Our roadmap focuses on three key pillars: indigenous development of advanced alloys and strategic materials; the expansion of manufacturing capacities and technology infrastructure and strengthening domestic supply chains for critical raw materials.
We have been supplying materials for satellites like PSLV, and GSLV, missiles including Agni and Akash for aero systems. We work closely with DRDO, ISRO, HAL, BDL, DPSUs, academic institutions, and private industry to develop next-generation materials for defence, aerospace, space, energy, and strategic sectors to minimise imports.
How prepared is MIDHANI to support increasing production of aerospace and future aero-engine programmes?
We have continuously upgraded our manufacturing ecosystem through investments in Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM), Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR), electroslag remelting (ESR), advanced forging and rolling facilities and heat-treatment and testing infrastructure. However, we source raw material from abroad worth ₹500 crore annually, but the global insecurities have disrupted supply chain. As indigenous aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and aero-engine programmes expand, MIDHANI is fully prepared to meet future requirements for aerospace-grade titanium alloys and superalloys.
Aero-engine metallurgy is considered one of the toughest technologies globally. How close is MIDHANI to becoming a global supplier of engine-grade superalloys?
Aero-engine metallurgy represents one of the most sophisticated domains of materials science. Engine materials must withstand temperatures exceeding 1,000°C while maintaining exceptional strength, creep resistance, fatigue life, and reliability.
MIDHANI has developed significant expertise in manufacturing aerospace-grade nickel-based superalloys through advanced vacuum melting and refining technologies. We already support India’s strategic aerospace programmes and continue to enhance our capabilities through technology upgrades, process improvements, and global quality standards.
With increasing global demand for reliable suppliers and ongoing diversification of aerospace supply chains, MIDHANI is well-positioned to emerge as an important global supplier of engine-grade materials.
What are the biggest technical challenges in producing next-generation superalloys?
The next generation of superalloys must operate under increasingly demanding conditions.
The key challenges include ultra-high purity requirements, precise chemistry control, complex microstructure management, consistent quality across production batches., compliance with stringent aerospace standards and higher temperature capability. Addressing these challenges requires advanced melting technologies, sophisticated process controls, extensive testing infrastructure, and sustained R&D investments.
Your export revenues have been growing. Which regions and industries are driving this growth?
MIDHANI is exporting to more than 20 countries. Its export growth is being driven by increasing demand from aerospace, defence, energy, engineering, and industrial sectors across: North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia-pacific. The global search for reliable suppliers of specialty materials has created significant opportunities for us. We have generated around 8 -10 per cent revenue from export in FY 2024-25, demonstrating increasing global confidence in our products and capabilities. While the export for FY 2024-25 was 94 crore, it was ₹84 crore in FY 2025-26 since the company avoided in some cases due to stiff supply chain constraints for master alloys. We expect exports to remain a key growth driver in the coming years.
Which rare metals and advanced alloys represent the biggest future opportunity for MIDHANI?
The future lies in high-performance materials capable of operating under extreme environments. Major opportunities exist in advanced titanium alloys, nickel-based superalloys, cobalt-based alloys, refractory alloys, aerospace propulsion materials, strategic defence materials, and advanced energy-sector alloys.
What breakthrough alloy technologies could emerge from MIDHANI in the next decade?
Over the next decade, MIDHANI expects significant advancements in next-generation superalloys, advanced titanium alloys, additive manufacturing-compatible materials, high-temperature aerospace materials, materials for reusable launch vehicles, advanced defence applications, strategic energy-sector materials. These technologies will support India’s ambitions in aerospace, defence, space, and emerging strategic sectors.
The order book remains strong. What proportion comes from defence, aerospace, space, and commercial sectors?
MIDHANI maintains a balanced order portfolio with defence, aerospace, space, and atomic energy continuing to be the primary contributors.
Commercial sectors such as engineering, power, energy, and industrial applications provide additional diversification and resilience. As on 1 April 2026, MIDHANI’s order book stood at approximately ₹2,290 crore, providing strong revenue visibility for the coming years.
