BY : THE HINDU

Three months ago an order from the Air Force for a substantial number of the Akash medium range, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system seemed just a few bureaucratic signatures away.

However, with the Air Force communicating to the Defence Ministry that the missile does not, in its present version, meet some critical operating requirements, the acquisition process could be longer than expected.

The all-weather Akash, developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) is part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. In the same class as the U.S.’ Patriot, Israel’s Barak and the U.K.’s SAM, the 5.78 metre long, 700 kg Akash can destroy targets up to 25 km away.

A senior official in the Ministry told The Hindu that the Air Force had asked that certain technical improvements be incorporated in the Akash before the missile system is ordered in substantial numbers. According to the Air Force, as compared to the Akash, contemporary surface-to-air missiles were smaller, lighter, had a longer range and were more manoeuvrable. The Akash system also requires more personnel to man it.

Further, the Air Force is particularly apprehensive about the missile’s capability to intercept low level targets, viz below 500 metres. Though the Air Force declared the Akash’s 10-day user trials last December 2007 as successful, they are asking that the DRDL refine the missile and come up with something that is technologically more contemporary.

Aware of the Air Force’s stand, Chief Controller of the Defence Research and Development Organisation Prahlada, said talks were on between the Air Force and the DRDO and that an order of two squadrons would initially be placed.

“The Air Force is saying that low altitude intercepts were not demonstrated. But how can we demonstrate low altitude intercepts over the sea. We will demonstrate this over the land. But first let them place an order,” he said.