BDL bags Rs 499cr contract for supply of Akash missiles to IAF

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has bagged a contract worth INR 499 crores from the Indian Ministry of Defence for Akash missiles to be manufactured and delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

According to CMD, BDL Commodore Siddharth Mishra (Retd), BDL has been supplying Akash missiles to both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.

Following the Union Cabinet’s announcement about the clearance of Akash Weapon System for export, BDL has been exploring to provide Akash missiles for export to foreign countries.

BDL has already got export leads from certain countries which had expressed interest in procuring the missile. The Indian government-owned ammunitions and missile systems manufacturer said that it has a well-established infrastructure and expertise to execute the orders and fulfil the customer delivery schedule.

BDL bags Rs 499cr contract for supply of Akash missiles to IAF. Photo courtesy of Indian Ministry of Defence/Wikipedia.org.

Apart from Akash missiles, BDL manufactures anti-tank guided missiles, air to surface weapons, air to air missiles, launchers, underwater weapons, test equipment, and counter measure systems.

During FY 2020-21, BDL has won new contracts worth about INR 2,803 crores, which includes anti-tank guided missiles worth around INR 1,820 crores and surface to air missiles worth around INR 793 crores.

BDL said that with the present order for the supply of Akash missiles to the Indian Air Force, the order book position stands now at nearly INR 8,683 Crore.

It stated: “The Company is also aiming to expand its footprints in the international market by offering Air to Air Missiles, Anti-Tank Guided missiles, underwater weapons and Counter Measure Systems in addition to Akash Missiles to friendly countries.”