Akash next-generation missile to be ready in two years

Bengaluru, June 8: The next-generation Akash-NG missile will be ready for user trials in the next two years.

Addressing the media during here on Wednesday, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Chairman and Managing Director S K Sharma said that the upgraded version will have a new radar and seeker.

"We are working on it along with DRDO on this advanced version. It will have a better range (around 40 km). The IAF and Army have already inducted Akash Missile Systems (AMS) and they are satisfactory," Sharma said to a specific query from OneIndia.

He also said that around 90 per cent of complete systems and components used in AMS are indigenous.

Payloads for DRDO's UAV programmes

To another query on BEL's foray into the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) segment, Sharma said the Company is currently involved with three programmes.

"We are certainly involved in one project of DRDO (Rustom) and another two projects. We are not making the UAVs, but would provide the payloads. Around seven to eight percent of our business in the current year will come from new products," Sharma added.

Giving a glimpse of BEL's future outlook, Sharma said all efforts of the Company hovers around indigenisation keeping in mind the 'Make in India' initiative.

Targets set on new areas in defence

New radars, missile systems, communication and network-centric systems, tank electronics, gun upgrades, electro-optic systems and electronic warfare and avionics systems are topping BEL's agenda.

"We are focusing on capacity enhancement and creation of new test facilities for defence business, in addition to pursuing opportunities in solar energy, homeland security, smart cards and telecom," Sharma said.

OneIndia News