• Source:JND

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on December 23 successfully completed the User Evaluation Trials (UET) of the Next Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG) system. During the trials, the missiles successfully intercepted aerial targets at different range & altitude, encompassing both low-altitude, near-boundary operations and long-range, high-altitude flight envelopes.

The development of the Akash missiles began in the late 1980s. Following the developmental trials in the 1990s and early 2000s, extensive user trials were conducted by the IAF and the Indian Army. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Secretary DD R&D, and Chairman DRDO complimented the entire team on the successful trial of the missile. 

Speaking to the Daily Jagran, Lt Col Jassi Sodhi (retired) said, “India has achieved a major milestone in the defence sector with the successful trials of two critical missile systems, the Akash-NG (New Generation) surface-to-air missile and the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile. These developments will not only suit the Indian military, it will also act as a shield for the country in a three-front war which is looming on our horizon.” 

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Akash NG Missile: Features

  • The Akash-NG is a short-to-medium-range, surface-to-air guided missile that is built by the DRDO.

  • The missile is primarily designed to provide air defence cover to the vulnerable areas and critical installations. 

  • The missile, equipped with an indigenous RF seeker and propelled by a solid rocket motor, is a potent system for ensuring air defence against different types of aerial threats. 

  • The upgraded version of the Akash missile also includes the Multi-Function Radar (MFR), Command and Control Unit, and Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV).

  • The missile also features a built-in Electronic Counter-CounterMeasures (ECCM), which means it has onboard mechanisms that can counter electronic systems that deceive detection systems.

  • The Missile system embodies the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ idea, with almost 96 per cent of the components being built indigenously. 

  • The Akash-NG features a range of up to 70 kilometres.

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When Will Akash-NG Be Inducted In Indian Army?

According to a report by the Indian Express, the Akash-NG will be inducted into the Indian Army in 2026 following the successful User Evaluation tests. The previous version of the missile was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2014. 

The DRDO has also developed another version of the missile, the Akash Prime, with a similar range to the earlier versions. However, the missile has a crucial new addition of an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) to improve the accuracy to hit the aerial targets. 


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