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The Army, which is inducting the indigenously developed Akash short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM) system, will get an upgraded variant. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) gave its procedural approval to the variant on Tuesday.
The Army has already inducted two Akash regiments, and ordered two more last year after a global tender for the SRSAM was cancelled. The Akash system has since been upgraded, and the DAC has now approved an upgraded variant for the third and fourth regiments.
Advanced features
“The upgraded version will include the seeker technology and possess a 360-degree coverage, and will be of compact configuration. It is an operationally critical equipment, which will provide protection to vital assets,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed Akash as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme initiated in 1984. It is made by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Akash has a range of 25 km and can engage multiple targets at a time in all-weather conditions. It has a large operational envelope, from 30 metre to a maximum of 20 km. Each regiment consists of six launchers, each having three missiles.
The DAC also gave approval for the development of an individual under-water breathing apparatus for the T-90 tank. The apparatus is used by the tank crew for emergency escape.
Source : https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/new-akash-missiles-get-green-light/article24981733.ece
