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.
