New generation of Akash surface-to-air missile

  • IASbaba
  • July 22, 2021
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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

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