Defence Ministry signs more than Rs 9100 crore contracts for Akash Weapon System and Weapon locating Radars

The Ministry of Defence yesterday signed contracts for the procurement of an improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars, WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army at an overall cost of over nine thousand 100 crore rupees.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the signing of contract for procurement of Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars, WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army, a welcome development.

In a tweet today, Mr. Modi said, this step will boost self-reliance and particularly help the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector.

The Prime Minister has also lauded the signing of 19 thousand 600 crore rupees contracts with Indian shipyards for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and six Next Generation Missile Vessels for the Indian Navy.

In a tweet, Mr. Modi said, this will strengthen the Indian Navy and add momentum to the country's aim of Aatmanirbharta.

The contract for procurement of improved Akash Weapon System (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, worth over eight thousand 160 crore rupees.

The AWS is a Short Range Surface Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

To meet aerial threats, two additional Regiments of AWS with Upgradation are being procured for Indian Army for the Northern borders.

Improved AWS has Seeker Technology, 360° Engagement Capability and improved environmental parameters.

Defence Ministry said, 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 per cent which will be increased to 93 per cent by 2026-27.

It said, 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 per cent 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.

The contract for WLR Swathi (Plains) was signed with Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) at a cost of over 990 crore rupees.

It is an indigenously designed WLR which is capable of locating guns, mortars and rockets firing own troops, thereby facilitating their destruction through Counter Bombardment by 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.

Defence Ministry said, the 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.