BEL has firm orders from IAF for Akash and is confident of getting Army's go-ahead for a different variant. (Photo: DRDO)
By Anantha Krishnan M.
Aviation Week
Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) is integrating various systems for the $2.6 billion Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) project. The first phase of deliveries to IAF would begin this year. The IAF has placed orders for two squadrons, and BEL is expecting to provide for four more squadrons soon after the initial delivery schedule is complete. BEL sources confirmed to Aviation Week that the Indian Army also may order a different variant of the missile for two of its squadrons. The first two squadrons of IAF missiles will consist of 48 units each. and the numbers would vary for the future squadrons.
