Context

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) completed user evaluation trials of the Akash-New Generation (Akash-NG) missile system, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Background and Evolution

0.1 The Akash missile was developed as a short-to-medium range surface-to-air missile under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme led by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in the late 1980s.
0.2 Extensive trials were conducted in the 1990s and early 2000s, followed by user trials by the IAF and the Indian Army.
0.3 The original Akash had an operational range of 27–30 km and a flight altitude of around 18 km.

Akash-NG Features

0.4 Akash-NG has an extended range of up to 70 km with a sleeker and lighter profile.
0.5 It is more effective against low radar cross-section aerial threats.
0.6 The system includes an indigenous radio frequency seeker, launcher, multifunction radar, and command, control and communication system.
0.7 Akash-NG uses canisterised launchers, improving deployability, transportation, storage, and operational readiness.
0.8 The missile system has 96% indigenous components.

Deployment and Variants

0.9 Akash was inducted into the IAF in 2014 and into the Indian Army in 2015, with multiple squadrons and groups currently operational.
0.10 DRDO has also developed Akash Prime, which has the same range as the earlier version but includes an indigenous active RF seeker for improved accuracy.

User Evaluation Trials

0.11 Akash-NG is primarily designed for the IAF to intercept high-manoeuvring aerial threats with low radar cross-section.
0.12 The maiden test was conducted on January 25, 2021, from the Integrated Test Range off the coast of Odisha.
0.13 On January 12, 2024, a successful flight test was conducted against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at low altitude.
0.14 User evaluation trials conducted on Tuesday met provisional staff qualitative requirements and neutralised different aerial threats.