CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -By Manjeet Singh Sehgal: In a major move to boost domestic defence manufacturing, the government on Wednesday approved the export of indigenously-developed surface-to-air Akash missile system and set up a high-level committee to authorise the sale of major platforms to various countries.

Detailed explanation-2: -AKASH is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile System to protect vulnerable areas and points from air attacks. Akash Weapon System (AWS) can simultaneously engage Multiple Targets in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode. It has built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features.

Detailed explanation-3: -There are nine countries, in turn, which have shown interest in the indigenously-developed Akash missile systems, which can intercept hostile aircraft, helicopters, drones and subsonic cruise missiles at a range of 25-km. They are Kenya, Philippines, Indonesia, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam and Algeria.

Detailed explanation-4: -India signs deal with Armenia for export of missiles, weapon systems | IBEF.

Detailed explanation-5: -Akash Missile is in operation with the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. This missile was launched into service in the year 2009 in India. Since then, it has enabled the Indian Air Force and Army to destroy enemy aircraft with high explosives in the air.