The combined order for Akash missile systems, worth Rs 23,300 crore, is seen as a major victory for India's indigenous R&D efforts. In addition to wealth generation within the country, these orders will also create more jobs and help industry to enhance the tech know-how. Finally, it will put an end to India's over-dependence on imported weapon systems. (Photo: t-arch-2010)
By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week
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By Anantha Krishnan M. | Aviation Week
Bangalore, India | June 09, 2010
The Army version of the Akash missile system, valued at Rs 12,500 crore ($2.8 billion), has been cleared for induction by India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC). The India military services’ combined orders of the Defense Research and Development Organization-developed Akash, including two radars, have a total worth of Rs 23,300 crore. This is an unprecedented defense order for a DRDO-developed weapons system, and the biggest order ever for DRDO’s tactical missile and radar systems. The June 8 DAC meeting was chaired by Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony. Others in attendance included the service chiefs, Secretary Defense, Secretary Defense Production, Secretary Defense Finance, Director General of Acquisition, DRDO Chief, and the Chief of Integrated Defense Staff (CIDS). A senior Ministry of Defense (MoD) official told AVIATION WEEK that Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) will be the system integrator and nodal production agency for the Akash Army variant. DAC had earlier cleared an Akash order worth Rs 6,500 for the Indian Air Force (IAF), with Bangalore-based Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) as its system integrator.
