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NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday denied that it proposes to wind up 'Trishul' missile project and said that its development has been completed.
“The development of Trishul Missile Project has been completed,” Defence Minister A K Antony told Rajya Sabha in a written reply, adding that the Defence Research Development Organisation is in dialogue with the Air Force for its possible induction after jointly developing the user trial criteria.
So far, Rs 275.39 crore has been spent on the project, he said.
To a related question, the Defence Minister said the development of Trishul, Akash and Nag missiles was currently going on under Integrated Guided Missiles Development Programme.
While Trishul is low-level quick-reaction surface-to-air missile system with a range of nine km, Akash is a medium range air defence system with a multi-target handling capacity. It has a range of 25 kms.
Nag is a third generation anti-tank missile with “top attack” and “fire and forget” capability, he said.
Antony also informed the Upper House that BrahMos cruise missile has been inducted into defence forces and the Air Force and the Navy have placed orders for the system.
To a question on posting of combatants on the front for seven years, he said a Group Of Ministers, appointed in the wake of Kargil Review Committee Report, discussed the issue of younger age profile and lateral transfer of army personnel to other organisations.
The matter is under consideration of the government and a Working Group comprising officers from the Army, para-military forces and Ministry of Home Affairs, he added.
