Question : Akash Missile System

(a) whether indigenously designed, developed and produced Akash missile system have been inducted in Indian Air Force;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the year in which project on Akash was started and the year in which it was declared fit for induction in the Defence forces;

(d) the details of the expenditure allocated for development and production of Akash missile system; and

(e) the details of steps taken by the Government to bring down expenditure and time for development of such defence missile system in the country in future?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) Indian Air Force (IAF) has placed production order for 8 Squadrons out of which 4 Squadrons have already been delivered to IAF for deployment.

(c) Project for development of Akash Missile was started in 1983 under Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). User trials were completed in Dec 2007. Order was placed by IAF for 02 Squadrons in December 2008 and 06 Squadrons in 2010.

(d) Expenditure incurred on development of Akash Missile was Rs. 604 Crore. Till date, Indian Air Force and Indian Army have placed production order for Akash Missile Systems worth Rs. 4969 Crore and Rs.14180 Crore, respectively.

(e) The infrastructure created during development and testing of systems/sub-systems, knowledge and expertise gained during development and production of various missile systems, will help to bring down expenditure and time of development and production for future missile systems.

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