State-run Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has successfully completed the first-of-production model (FOPM) of the Advanced Akash Weapon System with upgraded sub-systems, clearing the path for mass production of the weapon system.
FPOM is a major milestone in defence manufacturing where the initial, fully functional unit of a weapon system is produced for inspection and validation. The completion of the FOPM marks a crucial step in the production cycle of the weapon system, validating it before large-scale deliveries. In a regulatory filing, the DPSU said the weapon system, which is the next-generation variant of the Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM), demonstrated high precision against diverse aerial threats.
The company said the delivery of the next-generation surface-to-air missile system, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by BDL, would begin shortly.
The successful completion of FOPM would help in enhancing the performance and bolstering the combat capability of the Indian armed forces.
The company said this development "showcases BDL's prowess to deliver complex systems for the armed forces."
The Advanced Akash Weapon System, which includes the Akash-NG or Akash Prime, will work in tandem with the Russian S-400 (Sudarshan Chakra) and will help boost India's multi-layered, integrated air defence network. Both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force are expected to benefit from the upgraded capabilities of the weapon system, which offers better accuracy and kill probability.
A few days ago, in another regulator filing, BDL had said the company is establishing two additional manufacturing facilities at Ibrahimpatnam in Hyderabad, Telangana and Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh to help the company "not only to match the additional requirements envisaged in line with the company’s ongoing efforts towards capacity expansion and operational efficiency, but also to diversify its product profile."
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The facility in Telangana includes eight assembly lines to support the envisaged requirements of new weapon systems and meet anticipated future requirements, while the second facility at Jhansi is being set up for the manufacturing of propellants to address the growing needs of the organisation.
