MoD inconsistent on Akash SAM induction announcements
14 May, 2007 (FIDSNS)
The Ministry of Defence tabling inconsistent reports in the parliament pertaining the Akash SAM.
On July 28, 2005 the Defence Minister told parliament “The surface-to-air missile, Akash has been test fired successfully in Orissa recently. Three guided flight trials were undertaken recently from Integrated Test Range, Balasore, Orissa and all the mission objectives were achieved. The developmental flight trials of Akash missile system have been completed and the system is ready for user trials, which will be followed by production and induction.”
On August 02, 2006, the Defence minister said “Development of Akash and Trishul surface to air missiles and anti tank missile Nag, is complete and Users have been requested to place orders.”
On March 01, 2007, the Defence minister made a U turn and said “The Akash missiles have not yet been inducted in the Air Force. The user trials for the Akash missile system have not been completed.”
And on May 11, 2007 the Defence minister said “Representatives of the Indian Air Force had participated in the development trials of the Akash Missile System conducted by DRDO, as observers and provided user’s inputs for improvement in the system performance. Some trials at the development stage had not been fully successful. User’s trial are likely to commence shortly. No decision has been taken so far by the Government for induction of Akash Missile system in the Army.”
The Ministery of Defence should improve its credibility.
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