Akash Missile

On September 27, 2021, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test launched the newest variant of the Akash Surface to Air missile. The Akash Prime missile is an improved version of the Akash missile. The missile tests were conducted in Odisha's Chandipur test range. It was the first flying test after the requested changes were implemented. The missile intercepted and destroyed an unarmed aerial target that mimicked enemy aircraft in its first flight test.

 

The DRDO successfully test-fired the Agni-P (Prime), a new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile, in June 2021.

India also successfully tested the indigenously built anti-tank guided missile systems 'Helina' and 'Dhruvastra' in February 2021.

 

•    The Akash Missile System is a Russian-made missile system.

 

•    The Akash missile system was planned and developed as part of India's Integrated Guided-Missile Development Program (IGMDP)., which has been in place for 30 years 

 

•    Akash is a mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system with a medium range.

 

•    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) created it, and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). produced it 

 

•    It can track aeroplanes up to 50–80 kilometres away and at altitudes of 18,000 metres.

 

•    It can destroy aerial targets such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles, as well as ballistic missiles.

 

•    The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are using it in combat.

 

•    The Akash-MK-1S is capable of effectively and precisely shooting down adversary fighter planes and drones.

 

•    The Akash surface-to-air missile was developed to intercept enemy planes and missiles at a range of 18 to 30 kilometres.

 

•    It is unique in that it can engage numerous targets in group or autonomous mode at the same time.

 

•    It has Electronic Defeat-Counter Measures (ECCM) capabilities built in, which means it has procedures on board to counter electronic systems that trick detection systems.

 

•    The missile is guided by the 'Rajendra' radar, which was developed in-house.

 

•    It has the ability to engage targets at 2.5 times the speed of sound and detect and kill targets flying at low, medium, and high altitudes.

 

•    Because of its solid-fuel technology and high-tech radars, the missile is said to be less expensive and more accurate than the US Patriot missiles.

 

•    In compared to the existing Akash System, Akash Prime has an active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker built in-house for better accuracy.

 

•    Other enhancements provide more consistent operation at greater elevations in low-temperature environments.

 

•    It would also ensure that the missile hit the target it was shot at.

 

•    It is a surface-to-air missile. It's a new Akash missile type that can hit targets at a range of 60 kilometres and travel at speeds of up to Mach 2.5.

 

•    The Akash-NG weapon system will be a force multiplier for the Indian Air Force's air defence capability once deployed.

 

•    Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad collaborated with other DRDO facilities to develop this missile.

 

•    Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are the companies behind it.

 

•    It's an anti-tank guided missile that was created in-house.

 

•    The primary goal of an anti-tank guided missile is to destroy tanks and other armoured vehicles across a medium or long range.

 

•    It's a lightweight missile with modern avionics as well as a state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker.

 

•    It is launched from a tripod with a maximum range of 2.5 kilometres and a launch weight of less than 15 kg.

 

•    Its successful test gave the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat programme a tremendous boost, and it would also reinforce the Indian Army.

 

•    It was started by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to make India capable and self sufficient in the defence and missile production sector.

 

•    5 missiles that is PATNA was launched under this program.

 

Prithvi: Short range surface to surface ballistic missile.

 

Agni: Ballistic missiles with different ranges.

 

Trishul: Short range low level surface to air missile.

 

Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile.

 

Akash: Medium range surface to air missile.

 

•    Akash will get more accurate and capable of longer ranges as technology advances.

 

•    Making the Akash in India creates jobs, which is a crucial goal of the "Make in India" initiative.

 

•    The procurement of Akash by India's several defence ministries would have a multiplier effect at multiple levels of our economy.

 

•    Facilitating India's defence system development generates strategic intellectual property.

 

•    The Akash production will teach India about mass production dynamics, maintenance, and spares support, as well as upgrading it to the next level.