Context: Union Cabinet gives approval for Akash missile export.

• As part of efforts to boost defence exports, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister approved the export of the indigenously developed and manufactured Akash short-range Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system.
• It also approved the high-level committee formed to expedite clearance of such exports.
• The export version of Akash will be different from system currently deployed with Indian armed forces.

Export of big platforms

• This decision by the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive.
• After its induction in the Services, interest was shown in the Akash missile by many friendly countries during international exhibitions/Def Expo/Aero India.

Akash

• Akash has a range of 25 km and can simultaneously engage multiple targets in all weather conditions.
• It has a large operational envelope from a low altitude of 30 metres to a maximum of up to 20 km.
• It was inducted in 2014 in the Air Force and in 2015 in the Indian Army.
• Akash is the country’s important missile with over 96% indigenization.
• Akash is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for Missile Systems, Bharat Electronics (BEL), Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and Larsen & Toubro for other radars, control centers, launcher systems in India.
• Akash has a range of 25 km and can simultaneously engage multiple targets in all weather conditions.
• It has a large operational envelope from a low altitude of 30 metres to a maximum of up to 20 km. It was inducted in 2014 in the Air Force and in 2015 in the Indian Army.
• It is propelled by an Integrated Ramjet Rocket Engine. The use of a ramjet propulsion system enables sustained speeds without deceleration throughout its flight.
• The Missile has command guidance in its entire flight.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-nod-for-akash-missile-export/article33453024.ece

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