Armed Forces
Indian Army Introduces the Akash Anti-Aircraft System. The Radars Of This System Were Designed In Poland
Armed Forces of India have introduced the self-propelled Akash anti-aircraft system into use in the units of the Indian Army Air Defence Corps. Some elements of these systems were designed in Poland, by the PIT-RADWAR company.
The press release published by the Indian government states that the first Akash anti-aircraft systems have been received by the Army. It was noted that introduction of these systems has a significant meaning, particularly in the light of development of the technologies related to the offensive air assets. The Akash system is an example of the “Make-In-India” initiative, the aim of which is to support the local defence industry.
Akash is a system which is capable of engaging multiple targets at the same time, including fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, UAV’s and cruise missiles. Maximum range of the system is said to be around 25 km, with the targets flying at altitudes of up to 20 km. Akash is to replace the Soviet-made Kub (SA-6) missiles, used by the Indian Army so far.
Akash anti-aircraft systems use the CAR-1100 based units, as the early warning radar. These have been designed by Przemysłowy Instytut Telekomunikacji (currently known as the PIT-RADWAR company), and the design was ordered by the Indian government. The radars are being manufactured by the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) company, after Poland has transferred a prototype and technical documentation to India, back in 1999-2000.
The experience gathered in the process of developing the new radar for India has been proven to be useful, during the design stages related to the TRS-15/NUR-15 radars which are currently being used by the Polish Armed Forces. The expertise was also utilized during the development process of the TRS-15C variant of the radar, which is being utilized by the Coastal Missile Unit.