UPSC Articles
New generation of Akash surface-to-air missile
Part of: GS Prelims and GS – III – Defence and Security
In news A new generation of Akash surface-to-air missile was successfully flight-tested on by the DRDO from an integrated test range off the Odisha coast in a boost to air defence capabilities.
- The new variant of the Akash missile (Akash-NG) has a slightly better range compared to the original version that can strike targets at a distance of around 25 km.
- During the test, the missile demonstrated high manoeuvrability required for neutralising fast and agile aerial threats.
About Akash Missile System
- Akash is India’s first indigenously produced medium range Surface to Air missile that can engage multiple targets from multiple directions.
- Manufactured by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- The all-weather missile can engage targets at a speed 2.5 times more than the speed of sound and can detect and destroy targets flying at low, medium and high altitudes.
- The Akash missile system has been designed and developed as part of India’s 30-year-old Integrated guided-missile development programme (IGMDP) which also includes other missiles like Nag, Agni, Trishul and Prithvi.
- The nuclear-capable missile can fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5 (nearly 860 m/s) at a maximum height of 18 km.
- It can strike enemy aerial targets from a distance of 30 km.
- Unique features of Akash:
- It can be launched from mobile platforms like battle tanks or wheeled trucks. It has nearly 90% kill probability.
- The missile is supported by the indigenously developed radar called ‘Rajendra’ that can handle highly-manoeuvring multiple targets from multiple directions in group or autonomous mode.
- The missile is reportedly cheaper and more accurate than USA’s Patriot missiles due to its solid-fuel technology and high-tech radars.
News Source: PIB
