By Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury, KUNA
New Delhi : India would only need five to six years to develop a new missile system, following upgrading in technology and tie-up with domestic industry.
“With the recent successful trials of the Akash air defense system, it would need only five to six years to develop a missile system,” a top scientist of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) told KUNA here Thursday.
“However, projects like the Agni missile systems would not be covered under the new program. More than 16 countries are now eager to join hands with the DRDO,” he added.
He said Missiles developed by DRDO including “Agni”, “Prithvi”, “Trishul”, and “Akash” systems were ready for deployment by Indian armed forces, adding that these missiles have been developed with indigenous technology.
Former Indian President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, a renowned missile scientist, was associated with the development of these missiles.
“Indian scientists have developed the world class systems despite technology denials by many countries. Today, many countries are keen to partner India for joint development and production of weapon systems,” the scientist said.
The United States, Britain, Singapore, Israel, Germany, and France are eager to collaborate with the DRDO.
“The successful user trials of the Akash missile is a major milestone in our missile program,” the scientist said.
The indigenously developed surface-to-air Akash missile will provide the air defense cover to the Indian airports, ports and power plants.
The missile has the capability to target hostile aircrafts, sub-sonic cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. It can track and shoot down an enemy target at the height of 25 km within 30 to 45 seconds of the threat being detected.
The Akash missile is claimed to be using state-of-the-art technology and at par with the best systems in the world.
Weighing about 700 kg and three-and-a-half meters long, the missile can be made ready for use within 30 minutes of deployment. Akash will replace the Pechora and Kvadrat systems now used by the Indian Air Force and the army respectively.
State-run Bharat Dynamics Limited is planning to produce 100 Akash missiles a year.