Dec 27: The indigenously developed squadron strength surface-to-air Akash missile is in the process of soon to be inducted into air force to enhance its attacking capacity multi times.
Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major said, “We will soon begin the process of induction.” Further added, “The user trials have just concluded. We are awaiting the report on this, after which we shall initiate the process of inducting a squadron-strength of the missile.”
He was talking to the reporters on the sidelines of the 75 th anniversary function of Indian Air Force culminated into its yearlong celebrations by unveiling the Platinum Jubilee capsule at the Air Force Museum here. The capsule made with stainless steel and platinum contains a historical record of major activities-conducted during the platinum jubilee of the IAF this year and since the diamond jubilee in 1992. And, the data for the capsule is stored in digital format as well as in printed copies.
However, he did not make clear the number of missiles to be inducted into IAF.
Squadron strength would mean that the IAF would deploy 16 to 18 batteries of the missile that could set targets at a height of 25 km.
The final trial of the Akash missile was completed earlier this month with the missile successfully achieved targets on five occasions in a span of 10 days.
Earlier IAF was prompted to order the Israeli Spyder missile to strengthen its armoury owing to delays in the operationalisation of Akash missile.
Major said Ministry of Defence are in the process of completing price negotiations for 80 additional medium lift multi-role Mi-17-1V helicopters from Russia, of the kind it already operates, as also six C-130J Super Hercules heavy lift transport aircraft from USA.
The Air Chief said that process was on for both the aircraft.
However, he expressed his annoyance over the delay of the purchase-process that has been in the development for almost two decades.
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