Akash Series Surface to Air Missile System
- Thread starter Aashish
- Start date
Several programs are reaching close to user assisted trial/ production stage iin the next 3-4 years. NG is one of those, VLSRSAM is another. The latter particularly should give good choice in case IAF is interested. A VL system can be applied in many ways during situation like this.
We should also be looking at a low-cost short-range CRAM missile based on the QRSAM/VLSRSAM to deal with saturation attacks. Perhaps an upscaled version of Solar Industries' Bhargavastra system might do the job as well.
Unlikely , numbers in ~ 2000-2500 range for single service. Double it for both IA and IAF. Batch wise induction hence refurb work is also batch wise after shelf life is over, 10 years.
We have to understand the practical bit, it serves a greater shock if during need of the hour you find your stock missiles are not passing the 5 phase QT check done before use. This is the SOP followed. Every single missile has its own logbook and the respective unit has to fill in the details and get signed by the Officer in charge of that unit. During integration work, company provides the shelf life date hence if lru failure, they are to replace the part under amc.
[pics from Akash NG pressentation]
So what is the 5 phase check process followed during development/integration ? it is explained. Now during operational use it would be more convenient if the entire process could be digitalised. Hence now the missile cluster have developed the fully digital state of the art missile checkout system unit. Brahmos got one, Akash got also, all future missile systems will have such custom made unit installed in every operational base that house the missiles. The pre launch activity becomes much easier by connecting with the checkout system and clearing all circuit actuators pcb everything digitally.
Things like this is why it takes so much time for every project but our missile cluster have come through ages and now capable of delivering absolute top notch systems all designed in house.
1500 missiles with IAF for the first 8 squadrons bought in 2 batches, unknown numbers for the third batch of 7, possibly around 1500 as well. 2000 missiles for the first IA batch of 2 regiments, possibly the same for the 2nd batch too. So about 7000 missiles.
That's 100+ missiles per IAF battery and 160+ per IA battery.
Of course, the true inventory can be more than that as well.