By NNN-Bernama
New Delhi : Malaysia has shown interest to procure the India-made Akash anti-air missile which was successfully tested last month, says Defence Minister of India A.K. Antony.
Top Malaysian military brass expressed interest in acquiring the indigenous missile, said Antony who returned here on Tuesday after a three-day visit to Malaysia.
“Malaysians got to hear about the 100 per cent successful trials and broached the subject of its acquisition during the talks,” the “Indian Express” quoted Antony as saying.
Giving an assurance that India would look into Malaysia’s request in a “positive light”, Antony said further talks would be held on the matter.
Indian scientists successfully conducted the first test of the medium-range surface-to-surface missile last month, after taking almost 20 years to develop the Akash missile system.
The 27km-range missile was developed for the Indian army and airforce to protect the country’s strategic landmarks such as airports and harbours.
Weighing 700kgs and three-and-a-half-metres long, Akash missiles can thwart hostile aircraft, sub-sonic cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
It took about 1,000 scientists and 300 public and private companies to develop the latest missile system.
Malaysia had also conveyed its interest to acquire the jointly produced Indo-Russian made Brahmos supersonic cruise missile.
On that, Antony said: “New Delhi has to seek Moscow’s clearance as it is a joint venture. But for Akash, we have no such bindings,” he was quoted as saying.