Why in news?
The indigenously produced Akash missile system will helps modernisation of defence and boosts economic growth.
What are the significance of Akash missile?
- Akash is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile defence system.
- It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- The missile system can target aircraft up to 30 km away, at altitudes up to 18,000 m.
- It consists of a Rohini radar that detects incoming aircraft at ranges out to 120 km and relays the information to a command post.
- It has the capability to "neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles" as well as ballistic missiles.
- It is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
What are the issues with Akash production?
- The production of Akash missiles is not under single body, DRDO develops only foundational technologies.
- Numerous private sector companies will develop crucial sub-systems.
- While 330 smaller private firms feed into the Akash’s production as Tier-2 and Tier-3 vendors.
- Two defence public sector undertakings Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) will function as “systems integrators” that put the entire system together.
- The Akash production chain stands empty as the defence ministry bargains with BEL over the cost of its next order.
- Due to various norms the indigenous manufacturers face many difficulties in production.
- The cost of the missile stands high when compared with equivalent foreign systems.
- So far Akash had proved its effectiveness against a target far smaller than a combat aircraft.
- Due this Indian defence agencies are procuring missiles from foreign nations.
How Akash will help in defence modernization and economy?
- Technological updates will make Akash more accurate and capable of longer ranges.
- Producing the Akash in India provides employment, a key aim of the “Make in India” programme.
- Procuring Akash by various defence departments of India will creates a multiplier effect at multiple levels of our economy.
- Facilitating the development of defence systems in India creates strategic intellectual property.
- The Akash production will teach India about the dynamics of mass production, maintenance and spares support and upgrading it to the next level.
Source: Business Standard
