- The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts for the procurement of an improved Akash Weapon System and 12 Weapon Locating Radars, WLR Swathi (Plains) for the Indian Army.
- The overall cost of the procurement is over nine thousand 100 crore rupees.
- The contract for the procurement of improved Akash Weapon System (AWS) was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited, worth over eight thousand 160 crore rupees.
- The AWS is a Short Range Surface Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Two additional Regiments of AWS with Upgradation are being procured for Indian Army for the Northern borders.
- The project will give a boost to the Indian missile manufacturing industry in particular and the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem as a whole.
- The project has overall indigenous content of 82 per cent which will be increased to 93 per cent by 2026-27.
- The induction of the improved AWS into the Indian Army will increase India’s self-reliance in Short Range Missile capability.
- The contract for WLR Swathi (Plains) was signed with Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) at a cost of over 990 crore rupees.
- The project will enable troops to carry out their operational tasks without any interference from the enemy and also provide them safety against enemy fire.
- Induction of WLR Swathi (Plains) is planned to be completed in 24 months.
- The project is a big opportunity for the defence industry to showcase its capability and will be a step in the direction of achieving the goal of Aatmanirbharta in defence.
What is the indigenous content of the Akash Weapon System project?
A. 50%
B. 82%
C. 93%
D. 100%
Answer: B. 82%
