Akash Prime tested, can hit targets in Pak, China

After the success of the indigenous Akash missiles during Operation Sindoor, its next version, capable of deployment in high-altitude areas, was successfully tested today.Called Akash Prime, its navigation, flight path and accuracy have been fine-tuned for the Army's needs to tackle airborne threats from either Pakistan or China.

The successful test was carried out at an altitude of 15,000 feet in Ladakh today, sources said.

The trial was carried out by the Army Air Defence along with senior officials of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, which has developed the system.

During the trial, the Akash Prime —- a surface-to-air missile — registered a direct hit against a very fast-moving airborne target in a high-altitude area in a rarefied atmosphere.

The need to develop the Akash Prime arose as the firing parameters and trajectory of the missile change when launched at high altitudes. The lack of oxygen pressure has to be factored into the trajectory of the missile.

The Army already has Akash missiles in its arsenal which were used with success in Operation Sindoor. The Indian Air Force uses the Akash-NG (New Generation), which offers a significantly extended range (70-80 km).

The focus of the Akash Prime is on enhanced precision and operational capability in specific, difficult terrains and extreme cold weather conditions, while maintaining a range of 30-35 km, consistent with the existing Akash variant of the Army.

The Akash Prime is a medium-range surface-to-air missile designed to provide air defence against various aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

Key improvements in the Akash Prime include an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy.  It has improved reliability for performance in low-temperature environment and is backed by modified ground radars.

The missile would form the third and fourth regiment of the Akash air defence systems in the Indian Army.