Akash-NG Missile:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed User Evaluation Trials (UET) of the Akash-NG (Next Generation) , clearing the path for its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- The development cycle of systems from DRDO broadly consists of three phases: developmental trials, user-assisted trials in various conditions, and UETs.
- The successful UET clears the way for the induction of the system, and an acceptance of necessity (AoN) is issued by the user, which, in Akash-NG’s case, is the IAF.
- DRDO has successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG, clearing the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force and marking a major step in India’s indigenous air defence capability.
- Akash-NG is a lighter, longer-range, and more lethal upgrade over the original Akash, designed to counter high-speed, low-RCS aerial threats and strengthen India’s layered air defence under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Akash-NG is a next-generation surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed for the IAF to intercept high-speed, high-manoeuvring, low radar cross-section (RCS) aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, with a range of up to 70 km and faster response time.
- The system is indigenously developed by DRDO (with 96% indigenous components) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Akash-NG can fly at Mach 2.5, strike targets at around 60–70 km, operate beyond 20 km altitude, and achieve a kill probability of nearly 90%, making it far more lethal than earlier variants.
- The canisterised Akash-NG missile is stored and launched from sealed containers, which ease transport and storage while enhancing shelf life and operational readiness.
- It features built-in electronic counter-counter measures (ECCM), which means it has onboard mechanisms that can counter electronic systems that deceive detection systems.
- It features an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and command-and-control systems, enabling precision strikes against low-RCS and high-manoeuvring targets.
- The missile can be launched from mobile platforms, engage multiple targets simultaneously, and counter threats at low altitude, near-boundary, and high-altitude long-range scenarios.
- Akash was inducted into the IAF in 2014, and into the Indian Army the next year. Both the IAF and the Army currently operate multiple squadrons and groups of missiles, respectively.
- Akash-NG significantly enhances India’s layered air defence architecture, improves readiness against modern aerial threats, and strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in critical missile technologies.
- In December 2020, India approved Akash missile exports after interest from several countries, including Armenia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Egypt, and Brazil, highlighting the global acceptance of India’s indigenous defence systems.
- The export version of Akash will be different from those in service with the Indian Armed Forces.
- Compared to the original Akash, the NG version is lighter ( now 350 kg vs earlier 700 kg), has longer range (extended range up to 70 km (earlier ~30 km), replaces ramjet propulsion with a solid rocket motor, and offers improved mobility and survivability.
- The DRDO has also developed Akash Prime, an upgraded version of the Akash missile with the same range but equipped with an indigenous active RF seeker, significantly improving accuracy against aerial targets.
