Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Larsen and Toubro (L&T) jointly delivered the 100th Akash Air Force Launcher (AAFL) for the Indian Air Force, developed with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Vemagal facility of TASL near Bengaluru on 21st June.
According to a joint statement, AAFL is a multi-technology Weapon Launch Platform for Air Defence Missiles, jointly developed under the IGMDP Programme of DRDO by TASL and L&T and produced collaboratively. AAFL is a Mobile Launcher System capable of transporting and launching up to three Akash Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles in Single or Salvo Mode. AAFL comprises a self-powered and fully automated Electro-Mechanical Launching System mounted on a trailer and towed by a prime mover. It is a fully ruggedized all-weather day and night system capable of operating in harsh environmental and terrain conditions.
TASL, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sukaran Singh said, “the successful delivery of 100th AAFL is a major milestone for TASL and the Indian defence manufacturing sector, and marks the successful establishment of serial production after completing product development. The repeat order of AAFL being executed shows the User’s continued satisfaction and confidence in the operational performance of the indigenously developed and produced AAFL system.”
Jayant Patil, Whole Time Director, Defence & Smart Technologies, L&T said, “L&T has remained singularly focused on offering indigenously designed, developed and manufactured Defence systems to our Armed Forces. Delivery of the 100th AAFL system, a major milestone toward the iconic Akash missile programme epitomizes the contribution made by the Indian industry toward the Vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. He also added that “this milestone is testimony to the core strengths of innovation, adaptability, commitment and hard work by the Indian Industry teaming up in a public-private partnership to deliver a force-multiplying Akash Air Defence system to the Indian Air Force”.
Team BharatShakti
