• Source:JND
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The Indian Army successfully tested the indigenous ‘Akash Prime’ air defence system in Ladakh on Wednesday, July 16. The test was conducted at an altitude of over 15,000 feet in eastern Ladakh. This latest version of the Akash system, which will enhance air defence capabilities, is set to be inducted into the Army as the third and fourth regiments of the air defence system.

The Army's Air Defence Corps carried out these tests in collaboration with senior scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which is the developer of this missile system. During this test, Akash Prime successfully engaged high-speed aerial targets twice in a challenging environment at high altitude.

What Is Akash Prime?

Akash Prime is designed to improve the surface-to-air missile defence system. It is the better version of Akash air defence system. Developed by DRDO and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), it is designed to enhance India's missile defence capabilities in low temperature and high altitude conditions.

It is fitted with an indigenously developed active radio frequency seeker, which improves accuracy against agile targets such as cruise missiles, fighter aircraft or drones.

It is specially optimised for high altitude and low temperature regions such as the Indo-Tibetan border. It incorporates advanced thermal shielding, making it ideal for protecting assets in sensitive areas such as the Siachen Glaciers and Ladakh and in extreme weather conditions.

It can hit targets located at an altitude of 18 km from a distance of 30 km.

What Is Akash Air Defence System?

Akash, a medium-range surface-to-air air defence missile system, is designed for regional security against a range of aerial threats. The system is capable of protecting mobile, semi-mobile and static assets, forces and installations. It can be deployed up to an altitude of 4,500 metres and can engage targets at a range of 25 to 30 kilometres.

The system is equipped with advanced real-time multi-sensor data processing and threat assessment capability, allowing it to attack multiple targets simultaneously from any direction.

Its design is flexible, allowing it to operate either in groups or alone.

Role Of Akash Missile In Operation Sindoor

Akash was initially used against the Pakistan air threat during Operation Sindoor, where it performed very well, said officials. On the night of May 7-8, 2025, Pakistan made multiple attempts to attack military installations in northern and western India. In response, the Indian Army took action in the morning of May 8 and neutralised several Pakistani air defence systems, including a radar station in Lahore.

This was a major operational success accomplished without any damage to Indian assets. Indigenous systems, especially the Akash surface-to-air missile system, played a decisive role in thwarting these threats.

Being part of India's multi-layered air defence network, Akash batteries successfully engaged enemy aerial targets, preventing infiltration and protecting critical infrastructure during Operation Sindoor.

Military officials praised its "excellent performance", saying the system demonstrated high capability to engage and destroy multiple targets simultaneously.