Bharat Dynamics to supply improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars Swathi to Indian Army.

The Indian Government announces that, providing a further boost to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, the Ministry of Defence, on March 30, 2023, signed contracts for the procurement of improved Akash Weapon System and 12 WLR Weapon Locating Radars Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army.
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The Akash Weapon System is a Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM) indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO (Picture source: ANI)

The contract for procurement of improved Akash Weapon Systems (AWS) for the 3rd and 4th Regiments of Army Air Defence, comprising live missiles and launchers with upgrades, ground support equipment, vehicles and infrastructure was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited.

The AWS is a Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM) indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In order to meet aerial threats, two additional Regiments of AWS with upgradation are being procured for the Indian Army for the Northern borders. Improved AWS has seeker technology, reduced footprint, 360° engagement capability and improved environmental parameters.

The project will give a boost to the Indian missile manufacturing industry, in particular, and the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem as a whole. The project has overall indigenous content of 82% which will be increased to 93% by 2026-27.

The induction of the improved AWS into the Indian Army will increase India’s self-reliance in short-range missile capability. This project will play a role in boosting the overall economy by avoiding the outgo of precious foreign exchange to other countries, increasing employment avenues in India and encouraging Indian MSMEs through components manufacturing. Around 60% of the project cost will be awarded to the private industry, including MSMEs, in maintaining the supply chain of the weapon system, thereby creating large-scale of direct and indirect employment.

Weapon Locating Radars (WLR) Swathi (Plains)

The contract for WLR Swathi (Plains) signed with Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) concerns an indigenously designed WLR which is capable of locating guns, mortars and rockets firing its own troops, thereby facilitating their destruction through counter-bombardment by its own firepower resources. This will enable troops to carry out their operational tasks without any interference from the enemy and also provide them safety against enemy fire. Induction is planned to be completed in 24 months.

This project is a big opportunity for the defence industry to showcase its capability and will be a step in the direction of achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

Defense News April 2023