India and France will jointly develop short-range surface-to-air missile

[trainer]

The issue maty be discussed during Indian prime minister's visit to France on April 9-12

Akash missiles that are similar in characteristics to the new Maitri missile


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NEW DELHI, /TASS/. India's council on defense procurement has approved plans of developing a Maitri short-range surface-to-air missile jointly with France, The Hindu reported Friday.

According to the edition's source at the defense ministry, the missile is to be developed by India's Defense Research & Development Organization and France's MBDA, a leading European player in the sphere of missile systems.

The agreement on understanding was signed in 2013 but then the process stalled as the Maitri missile possesses similar characteristics to the Akash missile that is already in service in the Indian Armed Forces. However, the Indian Navy said that Akash can't be installed on ships.

It's expected that the issue will be discussed during Indian prime minister's visit to France on April 9-12.

 

[Tshering22]

I don't get it:

Why are we wasting money on another similar system that we already have? If Maitri has similar capabilities as Akash (barring the seeker) isn't this a waste of money and energy?

On top of that we are developing an Astra-based air defense system which is going to be slightly longer in range though not long enough.

Then there is the whole Barak air defence system which is again being co-developed with Israel.

 

[TimeToScoot]

@Tshering22

My guess is that this government doesn't want to go ahead with the Rafale deal anymore. And cancelling so many defense projects will not bode well for India-France relations. Hence the government has given the green light for this one.

 

[trainer]

I don't get it:

Why are we wasting money on another similar system that we already have? If Maitri has similar capabilities as Akash (barring the seeker) isn't this a waste of money and energy?

On top of that we are developing an Astra-based air defense system which is going to be slightly longer in range though not long enough.

Then there is the whole Barak air defence system which is again being co-developed with Israel.

Dear it's all about increasing the spectrum, scope, and diversification of source.

 

[NKVD]

I don't get it:

Why are we wasting money on another similar system that we already have? If Maitri has similar capabilities as Akash (barring the seeker) isn't this a waste of money and energy?

On top of that we are developing an Astra-based air defense system which is going to be slightly longer in range though not long enough.

Then there is the whole Barak air defence system which is again being co-developed with Israel.

Yeah maybe but it will give us Experience of MBDA which is best for our defence industry

MBDA is world beater when it comes missile technology MICA & Meteor is example of this.

 

[Tshering22]

Yeah maybe but it will give us Experience of MBDA which is best for our defence industry

MBDA is world beater when it comes missile technology MICA & Meteor is example of this.

You're wrong.

When it comes to air defence, the S300 and S400 series are the best in the world. Their technology including radars are far superior to anything made in the west. MICA and Meteor are good AAMs but in terms of air defence, nothing beats the S series made by Russia.

BTW we were offered joint participation in S-500 which saint Anthony screwed up.

Imagine; S-500 with IAF.

@Tshering22

My guess is that this government doesn't want to go ahead with the Rafale deal anymore. And cancelling so many defense projects will not bode well for India-France relations. Hence the government has given the green light for this one.

That is sheer stupidity on wasting money just because France won't take it well.

We should take projects which are useful to us.

 

[TimeToScoot]

That is sheer stupidity on wasting money just because France won't take it well.

We should take projects which are useful to us.

Eventually, the government gives the go ahead after taking the entire defense establishment into confidence. Experience with sophisticated seeker technology which India so far lacks could be one of the reasons. Exactly what factors contributed to this decision can only be answered by the GOI.

 

[Agent_47]

I don't get it:

Why are we wasting money on another similar system that we already have? If Maitri has similar capabilities as Akash (barring the seeker) isn't this a waste of money and energy?

On top of that we are developing an Astra-based air defense system which is going to be slightly longer in range though not long enough.

Then there is the whole Barak air defence system which is again being co-developed with Israel.

For starters ,Maitri is a 120kg missile while Akash is 720kg.
Maitri has advantage in every way, be it maneuverability,design,advanced seeker,TV,Quick reaction etc...
There is no Astra based SAM in development,Only a SRSAM which is design stages which don't have a credible seeker fixed yet.
This deal is for Indian navy only,which cannot accommodate Akash variant on a ship as QRSAM.

 

[Tshering22]

For starters ,Maitri is a 120kg missile while Akash is 720kg.
Maitri has advantage in every way, be it maneuverability,design,advanced seeker,TV,Quick reaction etc...
There is no Astra based SAM in development,Only a SRSAM which is design stages which don't have a credible seeker fixed yet.
This deal is for Indian navy only,which cannot accommodate Akash variant on a ship as QRSAM.

Check for the Astra based SAM. I read it 2 days ago.

 

[Agent_47]

Check for the Astra based SAM. I read it 2 days ago.

Unreliable Source.
Or Why would they go for it now?
Last year DRDO chief said SRSAM is in design stages.
Maitri is now sanctioned for IN.
Seeker is common denominator here.As MBDA is giving full access to MICA seeker, I'm expecting surfacing of a BVR missile with that seeker not other way around.

 

[Penguin]

I don't get it:

Why are we wasting money on another similar system that we already have? If Maitri has similar capabilities as Akash (barring the seeker) isn't this a waste of money and energy?

On top of that we are developing an Astra-based air defense system which is going to be slightly longer in range though not long enough.

Then there is the whole Barak air defence system which is again being co-developed with Israel.

Akash airframe is big and old (soviet era). Not suited for the navy, which 'needs' an indigenous replacement for Barak 1 (as if Barak 8 can't do close in as well....)