The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to induct two squadrons of the indigenous Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM). The all-weather, multi-target missile was accepted by the IAF recently after nine successful field trials, including a ripple fire in the electronic clutter, according to Dr Prahlada (uses only one name), Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Prahlada is quoted in the coming issue of India Strategic defence magazine as saying that although the missile was declared ready for induction after a December 2007 test, some fine-tuning was required and the project is now being handed over to public and private sector industries for manufacturing the required numbers. In all the tests, he said, accuracy of the system was established.
Besides the public sector Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) and Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL), the private sector Larsen and Toubro and Tata Power could be involved in its manufacture. The army has also expressed willingness to accept the Akash, but some modification in the launch platform for better