The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Nod for missile project with Israel

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Wednesday, Dec 31, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Nod for missile project with Israel

Y. Mallikarjun

HYDERABAD: With the Indian Air Force requiring medium range surface-to-air missiles (MRSAMs) in large numbers, the government gave DRDO the go-ahead for a Rs.10,000-crore project to develop and produce them in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in three years.

The development work would “take off” by January end as the sanction came 10 days ago, V.K. Saraswat, Chief Controller, DRDO (missiles and strategic systems) told The Hindu here recently. The project envisages formation of a joint venture between IAI and a public sector unit to coordinate production and provide product life-cycle support to the Air Force. Many private industries would be benefited because of the offset provision, he said.

Derivative

The missile was basically a “derivative” of LRSAM (long range surface-to-air missile), also being developed and produced in partnership with IAI for the Indian Navy. The MRSAM collaboration was meant to cut down delay and deliver the system in the stipulated timeline.

The new missile would be “highly agile” and able to achieve very high acceleration to engage aircraft at ranges of more than 70 km. It would also target low flying aircraft and other objects like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

The system would handle 200 targets at the same time.

The “biggest advantage” would be that it could be fired in salvo—a number of missiles could be guided simultaneously at the same target.

It would also be highly accurate and equipped with the state-of-the-art radio frequency seeker to counter electronic warfare measures.

Canister-enabled

Dr. Saraswat said the missile would be canister-enabled and have mobile launchers and rotating phased array radar to cover 360 degree targets.

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