Even as the Indian Air Force cleared it for induction after extensive trials, the Akash anti-aircraft missile has been shot down by the Army.

The Army Chief's office has firmly conveyed the message to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), saying that the land force does not require the air defence system in its current avatar and cannot afford to wait till the research organisation develops a fully mobile version of it.

Sources said the much delayed project has already thrown the Army's air defence modernisation plan in disarray and the South Block is in the process of floating global tenders for three regiments of Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM) systems. The systems will cost the Army an estimated $ 1 billion, but are vital to cover gaps in air defence. The ministry has reportedly given a go ahead for the procurement primarily as it believes the Army’s version of the Akash will not be ready for induction for another decade.

The Army needs urgent replacements for its Russian origin Kvadrat surface to air missile systems. While the Air Chief has committed to induct two squadrons of the missile, the Army has written to the DRDO that it is too late to induct the system. The Army is likely to float a global tender in this financial year to procure 56 systems of the Quick Reaction Missiles that will remain in service for the next two decades.

Meanwhile, the DRDO may for the first time participate in a global competition for an Indian order. Sources indicate that besides Israel, USA and Russia, DRDO may enter the $ 1 billion race for QRSAMs in collaboration with a French firm.