Saturday, Apr 09, 2005
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Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Andhra Pradesh
By Y. Mallikarjun
HYDERABAD, APRIL 8. In the wake of the successful Indo-Russian venture to develop the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, some of the European countries and Israel have shown interest to work with India in the development of tactical missiles. Talking to The Hindu , the Chairman, Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme and Director, Defence Research & Development Laboratory, Prahlada, said these countries wanted to work on tactical missiles and the technology related to such missiles. Pointing to the low cost and high success rate of Indian missiles, he said such a partnership would make business sense. The willingness of European countries and Israel to work with India showed that the quality of performance of our missiles was globally accepted. "Besides, they feel that India can be a credible partner." He said that India was probably the most active in missile development after the U.S. and Russia. Some third world countries had also approached India for buying missiles. After having heavily invested in their development, India would like to enter the global market. The Defence Ministry had agreed that the missiles, which do not attract the Missile Technology Control Regime, could be exported. "India will sell to only those countries which are aligned with it," he said.
Akash missile
The medium range surface-to-air Akash missile, designed for defence against an attack by F-16 class of aircraft, would cost one-third the price of the Patriot missile. While it is inferior to Patriot in range (Akash has 27 km, Patriot has 70 km), it is superior in having ramjet propulsion, latest electronics and high mobility. Akash has "all-the-way thrust" as the ramjet would keep thrusting till the missile hits the target. In contrast, Patriot has "boost followed by coast trajection" and such a propulsion would find it difficult to target an agile aircraft. The mobility of Akash missile had been designed to meet the requirements of the Air Force and the Army. Mr. Prahlad said the missile was ready for user trials. "We want to complete the user trials in 2005," he said. Eight guided flight tests of Akash are over, including five with warheads. The pre-user trials against live targets would be conducted next month.
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