New Delhi/Hyderabad: Akash Missiles manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) were flagged off on Friday by Lt Gen AP Singh (AVSM), Director General & Senior Colonel Commandant, Army Air Defence, for delivery to the Indian Army. BDL is the manufacturer of Akash Missiles both for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. The Akash Weapon System, designed and developed by DRDO, with 96 percent indigenous content, is being manufactured by BDL at its Hyderabad Unit with a large number of supply chain partners which include Defence PSUs, MSMEs and private industry. The Akash Missile has the capability to engage aerial threats up-to the maximum range of 25 km and up-to an altitude of 20 km, operating at a speed range of 1.8 to 2.5 Mach. The missile has been successfully test-fired on several occasions and is one of the best missiles in this category.
"With the announcement from the Union Cabinet regarding the clearance of the Akash Weapon System for export, BDL is geared up to take up export orders. BDL has been receiving several leads for the export of Akash from various countries which is expected to be converted into firm orders in due course. BDL has a full-fledged facility to meet both domestic and international demands simultaneously," said an official statement.
The focus of BDL has been on 'Making in India' with maximum indigenous content and creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector. Akash Weapon System is one such product among BDL's product portfolio in this pursuit for self-reliance in defence.
(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram & Twitter as well. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and follow us on Twitter to stay updated)