BDL ready to take export orders for indigenous Akash missile system

Hyderabad: After the Centre approved the export of Akash weapon system, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the manufacturer of Akash missile, is geared up to take up export orders. Given the export potential and demand for Akash in the international market, BDL has been promoting the product at various forums, including national and international exhibitions.

The missile being offered for exports will be different from the one being used by the Indian armed forces. BDL is already supplying torpedoes to a foreign country.

The Akash weapon system, designed and developed by DRDO with 96 per cent indigenous content, is being manufactured by BDL at its Hyderabad unit. Akash missile has the capability to engage aerial threats up to the maximum range of 25 km and up to an altitude of 18 km, operating at a speed range of 1.8 to 2.5 Mach. The missile has been successfully test-fired on several occasions and meets the global standard of missiles of its category.

BDL's Akash missiles are already in the Indian Army and the Air Force inventory.

Commodore Siddharth Mishra (retd), CMD, BDL, said, "The company has received export leads for the Akash weapon system. Now, with the export clearance accorded by the government, BDL is set to expand its customer base in the international market. The company is confident of meeting the export demand in addition to meeting requirements of the Indian Armed forces, as BDL has adequate established production facilities."