Akash upgrade set to boost India's air defence system

The Indian air defence system, which played a major role during Operation Sindoor, is set for an upgrade with the Akash-NG missile. Ready for induction, these missiles can target enemy threats at very low-altitude and longer ranges.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the ‘user evaluation trials’ for the next generation Akash-NG system, with the latest test conducted last evening.

Describing new features of the missile, the Ministry of Defence said during the trials, the missiles successfully intercepted aerial targets at different range and altitude, including the near-boundary, low-altitude and long range, high-altitude scenarios”.

The Akash NG improves upon the Akash missile that has an operational range of up to 30 km. The NG version has a range of up to 70 km and much smaller ground system footprint, making it tougher for enemy to track it through satellite imagery.

Akash-NG, equipped with indigenous radio frequency seeker and propelled by solid rocket motor, is a potent system for ensuring air defence against different types of aerial threats. All the systems and sub-systems are indigenous, including the multi function radar (MFR), command and control unit, and missile Launch vehicle (MLV). It is designed to intercept high manoeuvring aerial threats that have low radar cross section (RCS).

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO, Air Force and industry on successful completion of the user evaluation trials of the Akash-NG missiles.