Akash Weapon System: The Defence Ministry right now (March 30) signed contracts for procuring an improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army at an total price of over Rs 9,100 crore in one other enhance for Make in India initiative. A Defence Ministry launch mentioned the contract for procurement of improved Akash Weapon System (AWS) for third and fourth regiments of Army Air Defence, comprising reside missiles and launchers with upgrades, floor assist gear, automobiles and infrastructure was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited for over Rs 8,160 crore.
The AWS is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation. In order to fulfill aerial threats, two extra regiments of AWS with upgradation are being procured for Indian Army for the Northern borders. Improved AWS has Seeker expertise, lowered footprint, 360° engagement functionality and improved environmental parameters. The venture will toughen the Indian missile manufacturing business particularly and the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem as a complete. The venture has total indigenous content material of 82 per cent which will likely be elevated to 93 per cent by 2026-27, the discharge mentioned.
Relevance of AWS:
“The induction of the improved AWS into the Indian Army will increase India’s self-reliance in Short Range Missile capability. This project will play a role in boosting the overall economy by avoiding outgo of precious foreign exchange to other countries, increasing employment avenues in India and encouraging Indian MSMEs through components manufacturing,” it mentioned. The ministry mentioned that round 60 per cent of the venture price will likely be awarded to the non-public business, together with MSMEs, in sustaining the provision chain of the weapon system, creating giant scale of direct and oblique employment.
The contract for WLR Swathi (Plains) was signed with Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) at a value of over Rs 990 crore. “It is an indigenously designed WLR which is capable of locating guns, mortars and rockets firing own troops, thereby facilitating their destruction through counter bombardment by own firepower resources. This will enable troops to carry out their operational tasks without any interference from the enemy and also provide them safety against enemy fire,” the discharge mentioned.
Induction is deliberate to be accomplished in 24 months. This venture is an enormous alternative for the defence business to showcase its functionality and will likely be a step within the route of attaining the purpose of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, the discharge mentioned.
(With ANI inputs)
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