Akash missile and economic growth

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