Akash Surface-to-air Missile

[Parthy]

Not just jets, missiles too cost a bomb

Fighters, submarines or tanks may grab all the eyeballs but other military hardware also costs a packet. Over the next five years, the armed forces will induct three advanced surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems for well over Rs 30,000 crore.

The SAM systems -- to detect and destroy hostile aircraft, drones and helicopters at ranges betweem 25 and 70 km -- are the indigenous Akash system and the two being developed with the help of Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) -- the long-range SAM (LR-SAM) and medium-range SAM (MR-SAM).

Latest status reports peg the R&D costs and orders placed for the 25-km Akash system, which has a multiple target handling capability with digitally-coded command guidance system to protect vital installations, at a staggering Rs 19,182 crore.

While the joint DRDO-IAI project cost for LR-SAM to arm naval warships is Rs 2,606 crore, the MR-SAM for IAF is worth Rs 10,076 crore.

Akash systems are already on course to be inducted, with the IAF order being worth Rs 6,200 crore and the Army's Rs 12,402 crore. The first IAF Akash squadron, with two `flights' of four launchers each, is expected to be operational at Gwalior airbase by next year. Six of the squadrons will subsequently be based in the north-east to counter the Chinese threat.

The 70-km-range LR-SAM project -- with multi-function surveillance and threat radars, weapon control systems and missiles -- in turn, is slated for completion by May 2012. In the first phase, it will arm the three Kolkata-class destroyers being built at Mazagon Docks for Rs 11,662 crore.

Under the MR-SAM project, which will also have a strike range of 70 km, the delivery of the first firing unit to the IAF is scheduled for March 2013, with the 18th one coming in October 2016.

All three projects are important because the armed forces are largely equipped with near-obsolete air defence units, like the Russian-origin Pechora, OSA-AK and Igla missile systems, even though the radar coverage of Indian airspace suffers from many gaping holes.

Interestingly, though IAI has been dogged by some controversy -- ranging from kickback allegations to exorbitant business charges -- the government has refused to blacklist the firm on the ground that it will prove "counter-productive" due to the "crucial" projects that are underway.

India is also importing several Spyder low-level quick-reaction missile systems from Israel to bolster its air defence capabilities. IAF had pushed for them due to persistent delays in the indigenous Akash and Trishul SAM systems. While Trishul has failed to materialise, armed forces now seem confident about Akash.

The sleek 5.6-metre-long Akash uses an integrated two-stage Ramjet rocket propulsion technology, and is powered by an air-breathing engine to carry a payload of 60 kg.

As its computerised operation ensures a low-reaction time, Akash is designed to neutralise multiple aerial targets attacking from several directions simultaneously in all-weather conditions. With an 88% "kill probability", it can even take on sub-sonic cruise missiles, says DRDO.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...-a-bomb/articleshow/6996473.cms#ixzz16gG7cYhd

 

[shuvo@y2k10]

if drdo calls a 70 km missile as long range then i wonder what it may call the s-400 system-may be galactic range.

 

[Patriot]

Request for Proposal Issued for Akash Surface-to-Air Missiles Acquisition

Request for Proposal (RFP) for procurement of Akash Weapon System for Army has been issued to a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) in October 2010. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Smt. T Ratna Bai in Rajya Sabha today.

Akash is India's medium range surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited(BEL) as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. The missile can target aircraft up to 30 km away, at altitudes up to 18,000 m.

Akash can be fired from both tracked and wheeled platforms. Akash is said to be capable of both conventional and nuclear warheads, with a reported payload of 60 kg. A nuclear warhead could potentially give the missile the capability to destroy both aircraft and warheads from ballistic missiles.

The missile battery is described as being able to track and attack several targets simultaneously.







http://www.india-defence.com/reports-4857

 

[RAM]

India eyes producing more Akash missiles, BEL expects windfall



Defence major Bharat Electronics Limited expects to bag contracts worth at least Rs 10,000 crore in the next few months from Indian Air Force and the army to produce several squadrons of Akash missile system.Bangalore-based BEL has already bagged a Rs 1,221 crore order from IAF to produce two squadrons of the surface-to-air area defence guided missile system.

"They (IAF) are going to place another order for six squadrons shortly (in a month)," said P C Jain, general manager of BEL's military radar business unit.BEL sources said the order for six squadrons of Akash missile system is estimated to be nearly Rs 3,500 crore.They said each squadron consists of 48 missiles, a surveillance radar (3D central acquisition radar) and a tracking (flight level) radar and flight control centre, among others.

According to Jain, the Indian Army is "looking for the same (Akash missile) system", and BEL is expecting an order to produce two regiments for it.
The army is currently in the process of finalising the configuration it requires vis-a-vis the system.

"Each regiment is much bigger than a squadron, much, much bigger...May be five-six squadron is equivalent to one regiment," Jain said, indicating that the army order is expected to be Rs 6,000 crore-Rs 7,000 crore.

The surveillance radar used in the Akash missile system, a medium-range, multi-target surface-to-air defence system which provides air defence against multifarious threats to mobile, semi-mobile and static vulnerable forces and areas, has a range of 120 km and the tracking radar 80 km.

The surveillance and tracking radar can detect 100 targets and 64 targets simultaneously, respectively.

The missile system has a range of 25 km and "it can go up to an altitude of 18 km", Jain said. "It can engage four targets simultaneously. We can launch eight missiles simultaneously."

He also said the BEL has despatched the company- produced weapon location radar system to Pokhran in Rajasthan for user trials by the army, from which it expects to bag order to deliver 50 such units.

Jain said BEL has delivered 1,400 Battle Field Surveillance Radars to the Indian Army, adding, the IAF is now looking to deploy such systems to monitor movement of manpower, jeeps and other small vehicles in its airfields.

BEL would shortly make a presentation to the IAF in this regard.
http://www.business-standard.com/in...akash-missiles-bel-expects-windfall/118021/on

 

[Rahul Singh]

BEL says IAF will get first Akash squadron next month

The Batch-1 from the Forum of Defense and Aerospace Journalists, Bangalore (FDAJB), had a facility visit to BEL's Radar SBU in Bangalore on November 2. The FDAJB members was shown various features of the Akash Missile System. In the last photo, FDAJB members in front of the Russian Schilka tank, which is now being upgraded by BEL. (A report on the same will go live in Aviation Week today). Photography from close range was prohibited inside the high-sensitive Akash facility. Photos: Bhaktar Babu, Bangalore Beat

By Anantha Krishnan M. | AVIATION WEEK |
Bangalore | India | December 2, 2010 |

The Indian Air Force (IAF) soon will form its first squadron of the homegrown tactical Akash Missile System (AMS) at Gwalior Air Base. Bharat Electronics Ltd., the principal integrator for AMS, will hand over the first squadron next month. The IAF is expected to operate the system with the Mirage 2000. P.C. Jain, BEL's general manager of Defense Radars, says his company has firm orders for two AMS squadrons of 48 missiles worth Rs 1,221 crore ($269.5 million). Jain spoke Dec. 2 at the Forum of Defense and Aerospace Journalists of Bangalore. BEL hopes to win additional AMS contracts from the IAF and the Indian Army.

 

[black eagle]

Why the same mews have been posted six times? Please delete rest of the five...

 

[Rahul Singh]

IAF and Indian Army to order more Akash Missiles

BY: PTI

Defence major Bharat Electronics Limited expects to bag contracts worth at least Rs 10,000 crore in the next few months from Indian Air Force and the army to produce several squadrons of Akash missile system.

Bangalore-based BEL has already bagged a Rs 1,221 crore order from IAF to produce two squadrons of the surface-to-air area defence guided missile system.

"They (IAF) are going to place another order for six squadrons shortly (in a month)," said P C Jain, general manager of BEL's military radar business unit.

BEL sources said the order for six squadrons of Akash missile system is estimated to be nearly Rs 3,500 crore.

They said each squadron consists of 48 missiles, a surveillance radar (3D central acquisition radar) and a tracking (flight level) radar and flight control centre, among others.

According to Jain, the Indian Army is "looking for the same (Akash missile) system", and BEL is expecting an order to produce two regiments for it.

The army is currently in the process of finalising the configuration it requires vis-a-vis the system.

"Each regiment is much bigger than a squadron, much, much bigger"¦May be five-six squadron is equivalent to one regiment," Jain said, indicating that the army order is expected to be Rs 6,000 crore-Rs 7,000 crore.

The surveillance radar used in the Akash missile system, a medium-range, multi-target surface-to-air defence system which provides air defence against multifarious threats to mobile, semi-mobile and static vulnerable forces and areas, has a range of 120 km and the tracking radar 80 km.

The surveillance and tracking radar can detect 100 targets and 64 targets simultaneously, respectively.

The missile system has a range of 25 km and "it can go up to an altitude of 18 km", Jain said. "It can engage four targets simultaneously. We can launch eight missiles simultaneously."

He also said the BEL has despatched the company- produced weapon location radar system to Pokhran in Rajasthan for user trials by the army, from which it expects to bag order to deliver 50 such units.

Jain said BEL has delivered 1,400 Battle Field Surveillance Radars to the Indian Army, adding, the IAF is now looking to deploy such systems to monitor movement of manpower, jeeps and other small vehicles in its airfields.

BEL would shortly make a presentation to the IAF in this regard.

 

[plugwater]

India Orders Six More Squadrons Of Akash Missile Systems

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed orders for six more squadrons of Akash Missile Systems (AMS) worth Rs 5,000 crore ($1.1 billion).

Bengaluru-based Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) will be the principal integrator for the systems. BEL is currently executing the first order for two AMS squadrons (48 missiles) for the IAF worth Rs 1,221 crore ($269.5 million).

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) confirmed to Aviation Week Dec. 16 that the additional orders have come as a huge boost to India's indigenous military program. "The fact that the user [IAF] has placed additional orders shows the growing confidence they have in homegrown products," a senior DRDO official says. "IAF will benefit immensely from these orders as they can get whatever modifications to AMS done within no time. Time, cost overruns and delay in getting spares won't be major issues anymore."

BEL is expected to complete these additional orders in the next 3-5 years, while the first AMS squadron will be delivered to the IAF within a month to be positioned at Gwalior Air Base.

This past June, India's Defense Acquisition Council cleared the army version of AMS, worth Rs 12,500 crore ($2.78 billion). The Indian government is likely to place the army order on Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Ltd. — a move aimed at developing a healthy competition among defense public sector undertakings.

Indian industry will be a direct beneficiary to the latest orders from IAF. "With the combined orders of IAF and Army, we are looking at continuous production activities spread across 5-8 years," a source says. "Then there's a likelihood of more orders and new versions. Again the spotlight would fall on small- and medium-scale approved industries. The services can also look forward [to] continuous on-site product support."

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gene...s/awx/2010/12/16/awx_12_16_2010_p0-277791.xml

 

[shashi]

SOURCE : RIA Novosti

Russia and India have now signed an agreement on the preliminary design of the fifth-generation FGFA fighter for the Indian Air Force.

The fighter will be based on the Russian T-50, which is currently undergoing flight tests.

The history of the FGFA spans more than a year – the preliminary agreement on its design was signed in 2008, when the Future Airborne Complex – Frontline Aviation (PAK-FA) program entered the final phase of its development. At the time, the basic requirements for the Indian fighter, which slightly differed from the Russian version, were identified. These main differences were in crew capacity (the Indian Air Force prefers a two-man vehicle), equipment, and weapons (for obvious reasons, the Indian fighter will not exclusively use Russian combat systems).

It took almost 10 years for the Russian fighter to see its first flight. The plane currently being developed for India should get off the ground sooner because the bulk of its design has already been applied under the PAK-FA program. If all goes well, the first FGFA flight could occur in the next five to six years, and mass production could start in 2018-19.

The development of the FGFA proceeds from of a long history of military-technical cooperation between Russia and India that has persisted for nearly 50 years and gone through several phases of change and evolution.

A history of cooperation

The first phase of Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation began in 1962, when the Soviet Union delivered ready-made weapons to India during its conflict with neighboring China. The second phase began in the late 1960s, when India undertook the licensed production of Soviet systems – aircraft, small arms, and a number of other weapons systems.

By 1980, 75% of India's military needs were being met by arms deliveries from the USSR and the licensed production of Soviet weapons, and by the 1990s, India the same percentage of Indian forces were still armed with Soviet weapons. Simultaneously, Indian industry reached a level that enabled it to develop its own weapons models. The Indian defense industry has since begun work on several independent projects, including ballistic and anti-aircraft missiles, warships, tanks, and various aircraft.

However, experience has shown that India is not always capable of completing such projects under its own auspices, which can lead to significant delays and inferior equipment as compared to systems in Russia and the West. The Akash anti-aircraft missile system is a prime example. The system was developed over almost 25 years – from 1984 to 2009 – but its military-technological level is approximately the same as the Buk anti-aircraft missile system developed in the USSR in the early 1980s. The Indian tank project, Arjun, has also thus far been lackluster and took almost 30 years to be developed.

As a result, the Indian leadership has decided that joint development is the most promising form of military-technical cooperation because it enables India to develop its scientific and technical expertise while obtaining the results guaranteed by its partner's more significant advancement.

The Air Force and the Navy – the backbone of cooperative partnership

The role of Russian developers in creating new ships for the Indian Navy is considerable; these include destroyers, frigates, new generation Project ATV nuclear submarines, as well as a long-term project for an aircraft carrier. At the same, India continues to buy fully manufactured ships from Russia. The most important of these is the upgraded Vikramaditya aircraft carrier (formerly the Admiral Gorshkov). Meanwhile, the construction of Project 11356 frigates for the Indian Navy continues. India intends to order three more ships in addition to the three already built and the three currently under construction.

In spring 2011, India is also planning to lease a Project 971I Russian nuclear submarine. The Indian Navy will use it to train Indian crews for its own nuclear submarine program.

In terms of the prospects for military-technical cooperation with India, it should be noted that Russia will likely continue to supply the bulk of aircraft and warships. As for the supply of ground vehicles, India is gradually reorienting towards its own industry along with other international suppliers.

For Russia, however, the aviation and shipbuilding markets are more than worth it – the Indian Air Force and Navy are among the strongest in the world and require large supplies of modern technology to maintain their current force and underwrite their future development. Moreover, it is possible that in the future Russia and India will align to fill orders from third-party nations through joint production and export.

 

[shashi]

The Akash anti-aircraft missile system is a prime example. The system was developed over almost 25 years – from 1984 to 2009 – but its military-technological level is approximately the same as the Buk anti-aircraft missile system developed in the USSR in the early 1980s. The Indian tank project, Arjun, has also thus far been lackluster and took almost 30 years to be developed.

Can somebody please shed some light on this disturbing information ??

 

[black eagle]

 

[black eagle]

Akash Mark-II version will be ready by 2012 : DRDO

DRDO with its recent success in getting orders worth Rs 23,300-crore from Indian air force and Indian army for its Akash SAM, is currently working on a improved Mark-II version of the surface to air missile and will have its first flight test by end of 2012 .

Akash Mark-II version will carry Minor critical improvement over Mark-1 variant and will not be a completely new missile , DRDO for this reason has not asked for any additional funding from the center for this improvement . New MK-2 will have better accuracy and will also be little faster then the current variant.

Mark-2 variant will also will have faster reaction time to cover the threat and will have an minor extended range to the missile which will be 10 to 12 km improvement over the Mark-1 variant . Mark-2 variant will be replacing old soviet union acquired SA-3 GOA (Pechora) SAM systems.

India's plans to fortify North Eastern border area with China by installing Akash MK-1 close to the border there , DRDO expects Air force and Army will order more of Akash MK-1 and MK-2 SAM batteries to cover lot of non covered area in North east and western Borders .

DRDO still has not proposed any longer range variant of SAM yet , but Barak-8 which DRDO is developing jointly with Israelis for the Indian Navy might have a Land based variant to cover this requirement in future .

 

[Patriot]

India plans deployment of Akash missiles

NEW DELHI (PTI): The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) Thursday is understood to have discussed the induction of the indigenously-produced and developed Akash surface to air missile defence system into the Indian Army.

The CCS is also understood to have discussed some of the proposals of the Navy to tackle piracy in the high seas, sources said here.

The Army is looking to place orders for two regiments of the missile system, which has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

"Request for Proposal (RFP) for procurement of Akash Weapon System for Army has been issued to a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) in October 2010," Defence Minister A K Antony had recently said.

The IAF has already inducted two squadrons of the missile system including its radar and is looking to place orders for six more squadrons.

The Akash missile systems consist of a launcher, a missile with a 25-30 km range, control centre, multifunction fire control radar and supporting ground equipment

 

[nitesh]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ng-Army-inducts-Akash/articleshow/7740830.cms

The IAF had earlier ordered eight Akash squadrons — six of them will be based in North East to counter China — for Rs 6,200 crore. Now, the Cabinet Committee on Security on Thursday cleared two Akash regiments, with six firing batteries and hundreds of missiles each, for the Army. The total order for the Army stands at Rs 14,180 crore at present.

The low-reaction-time Akash is designed to neutralise multiple aerial targets attacking from several directions simultaneously, with a digitally-coded command guidance system, in all weather conditions. "The fully-automated Akash has an 88% kill probability within a specified kill zone... It has even intercepted a target with a 0.02 sq metre of radar cross-section (a fighter has a 2 sqm RCS)," said an official.

 

[Yusuf]

Its great new for DRDO as far as Akash is concerned. a 14,000 cr order for more batteries of missiles and large number of missiles as well is great. A lot of holes are there in Indian air defence. I am sure this will go a long way in plugging that gap. But i think we would need more if we take into consideration the recent talks about plugging holes in south India.

 

[Oracle]

25 yrs in the making, Army inducts Akash

NEW DELHI: Indian armed forces are going in for a huge induction of the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems to counter the threat posed by enemy fighters, drones and helicopters on both western and eastern fronts as well as protect "vital areas and installations".

Developed by DRDO after 25 years of technical glitches, the 25-km range Akash air defence weapon system finally seems to have found favour with the armed forces, who are desperate to plug existing operational gaps in air defence.

The IAF had earlier ordered eight Akash squadrons — six of them will be based in North East to counter China — for Rs 6,200 crore. Now, the Cabinet Committee on Security on Thursday cleared two Akash regiments, with six firing batteries and hundreds of missiles each, for the Army. The total order for the Army stands at Rs 14,180 crore at present.

The low-reaction-time Akash is designed to neutralise multiple aerial targets attacking from several directions simultaneously, with a digitally-coded command guidance system, in all weather conditions. "The fully-automated Akash has an 88% kill probability within a specified kill zone... It has even intercepted a target with a 0.02 sq metre of radar cross-section (a fighter has a 2 sqm RCS)," said an official.

DRDO, in fact, says the sleek 5.6-metre-long Akash, powered to carry a payload of 60 kg, can even take on sub-sonic cruise missiles. Akash, which DRDO claims is "96% indigenous", is not the only SAM system that the forces are going to induct to replace their obsolete Russian-origin Pechora, OSA-AK and Igla missiles.

Source

 

[sandeepdg]

Finally, the Akash is being inducted in a full scale by the IA after 25 years of development. Good news.

 

[shuvo@y2k10]

if akash mk1 can detect an object of 0.02sq.metre then i think akash mk2 with aesa radar,improved accuracy and fast missile can surely intercept even the f-22 raptor or pak-fa.

 

[Someoneforyou]

CBI arrests three for irregularities in Akash missile project

CBI arrests three for irregularities in Akash missile project
India - 20 march 2011

The CBI has arrested three persons including two former directors of Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research, a central government undertaking, in connection with alleged "criminal irregularities" in supply of modem to Akash missile project. Cases were filed on Friday under different sections against former directors of SAMEER, S Karunakaran and KR Kini, after the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had filed cases under different sections of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), CBI said in a statement on Sunday.

It added that P Rathinavel, Director, Sam Shin Precision Pvt Ltd, Chennai and Bangalore-based Wave Tech Electronics Pvt Ltd, has also been arrested.

SAMEER is an autonomous institution for Research and Development under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Government of India, fully funded by the Ministry and deals with sensitive defence related and other projects, the release said.

"During the period from 2005 to 2009, Karunakaran abused his official position and showed undue favour to Sam Shin Precision Pvt Ltd, and awarded the contract of mass production of Integrated Radio Line Modems (IRLMs) to be used in Akash Missile Programme by Ministry of Defence, eliminating the other eligible government and reputed private companies," the release said.

Rathinavel was a classmate of Karunakaran and the latter had allegedly vested interest in the companies floated by him in different names, "to which he was awarding various contracts at SAMEER, Chennai from 2000 onwards and monitoring their day to day affairs," it said.

"When SAMEER short listed Sam Shin Precision as the company to be awarded the work, it was not even formed and registered. During investigation, the role of Kini, predecessor to Karunakaran, came to light with regard to causing huge loss to the tune of several lakhs to the exchequer of Government of India and hindrance to the progress to the 'Akash Missile' Project," it said.

They were produced before a court on Friday which remanded them to custody till April 1.


Source: Press Trust of India

 

[Patriot]

3 held for irregularity in supply of modems for Akash project

CHENNAI: The CBI on Friday arrested three persons, including two former directors of Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), on charges of irregularities in the supply of modems to the Rs 1,000-crore Akash missile project.

CBI registered a criminal case against S Karunakaran and KR Kini, former directors of SAMEER, and their friend and Chennai-based electronics firm owner P Rathinavel on September 30 in 2010 for the irregularities. "From 2005 to 2009, the two directors misused their official position to favour their friend's company in the supply of modems to the country's prestigious security project," a CBI officer told The Times of India.

Akash is India's medium range surface-to-air missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Akash has certain unique features like mobility, all-the-way-powered flight till target interception, multiple target handling, digitally-coded command guidance and fully automatic operation.

From 2005 to 2009, Karunakaran abused his position and showed undue favour to Sam Shin Precision Pvt Ltd, owned by P Rathinavel, and awarded the contract for mass production of Integrated Radio Line Modems (IRLMs) for Akash project, eliminating other eligible government and reputed private companies, a press note from CBI said.

SAMEER is an autonomous institution for research and development under the ministry of communication and information technology, and deals with sensitive defence projects. The Chennai centre is located at CIT campus in Taramani.

"The SAMEER comes under the ministry of communication, so we are not in a position to reply on this shocking misconduct," DRDO spokesperson Ravi Gupta told the Times of India. "The integrated radio line modems are very sensitive. The modems acts as bridge between the missile and the control room by converting signals to data and vice-versa," he said.

Karunakaran was a classmate of Rathinavel and had invested in the companies floated by Rathinavel. He awarded SAMEER contracts from 2000 onwards to his own companies, including Sam Shin Precision, the CBI said. When SAMEER shortlisted Sam Shin for IRLM contract, the firm was not even registered under the companies Act, the officials said. This misconduct caused huge loss to the exchequer and hampered the Akash Missile Project, they said.

The three accused were arrested and produced before principal special judge for CBI cases, Chennai, who remanded them in judicial custody till April 1.