The Ministry of Defence inked contracts on Thursday for the acquisition of an enhanced Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars, WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army, totaling more than Rs 9,100 crore, news agency ANI reported.
A deal worth over Rs 8,160 crore was inked with Bharat Dynamics Ltd for the acquisition of enhanced Akash Weapon System (AWS) for the 3rd and 4th Regiments of Army Air Defence, which includes live missiles and launchers with modifications, ground support equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure.
The AWS is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence System created and developed in-house by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
"In order to meet aerial threats, two additional Regiments of AWS with Upgradation are being procured for Indian Army for the Northern borders. Improved AWS has Seeker Technology, Reduced Foot Print, 360° Engagement Capability and improved environmental parameters," reads the official press statement.
According to the statement, the initiative will benefit the Indian missile manufacturing industry in particular, as well as the indigenous defence manufacturing environment in general. The entire indigenous content of the project is 82%, which will be enhanced to 93% by 2026-27.
WLR Swathi (Plains) was signed with Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) at a cost of more than Rs 990 crore. It is an indigenously constructed WLR capable of finding guns, mortars, and rockets firing towards own forces, allowing for their elimination by counter bombing using own firepower resources.
This will allow troops to carry out their operational responsibilities without interruption from the adversary while simultaneously protecting them from hostile fire. The induction process is expected to take 24 months, as per the statement.
This project is a significant opportunity for the defence sector to demonstrate its capabilities and will be a step towards reaching the aim of 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence.
(With Inputs From ANI)