Context: Ministry of Defence signed a contract for procurement of an improved Akash Weapon System (AWS) with Bharat Dynamics Limited for over Rs 8,160 crore for the third and fourth regiments of Army Air Defence, comprising live missiles and launchers with upgrades, ground support equipment, vehicles and infrastructure.
Akash Weapon System
- The AWS is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation.
- Improved AWS has Seeker technology, reduced footprint, 360° engagement capability and improved environmental parameters.
Relevance of AWS
- Increase India's self-reliance in Short Range Missile capability.
- Boost the overall economy by avoiding the outgo of precious foreign exchange to other countries.
- Increasing employment avenues in India.
- Boost the Indian missile manufacturing industry in particular and the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem (Indian MSMEs) as a whole.