The IAF's order last year for two Akash squadrons -- dismissed by sceptics as a face-saving burial for the Akash programme -- has just been doubled with a fresh IAF order for 16 more launchers that will be stationed in northeast India. And now, Business Standard has accessed even better news for the Akash programme: the Indian Army is considering ordering several Akash squadrons for its ground forces.
The DRDO's Chief Controller for R&D, Prahlada, has confirmed that the army is displaying fresh interest in the Akash. Asked for details, Prahlada told Business Standard, "I cannot say whether the army is interested in the Akash for its strike corps, or for another role. In any case, the Akash is a mobile system that is suitable for various roles."
Missiles have been created by our Defence department for Defence purpose.
And we are not going to attack Russia or France.
So, there is no need to compare our missile technology with France or Russia.
We are way ahead of the enemy countries, who can attack us.
So, have no dout on DRDO and our scientist developing missile.
If it's true then it would be for the first time that army would be putting it's confidence in DRDO products. But at the same time it's doubtful whether the missile is really world class as claimed because DRDO like any other Indian Govt. department is always woefully slow and lacks accountability and transparency.
Claiming Akash to be better than Russsian or French system is little surprising as these countries have great weapon design facilities which are there since world war.
May be Indian army has been pressurized to purchase these weapons in order to put a blanket on the failure of DRDO in using taxpayer's money to produce great weapons.