NEW DELHI: The new generation Akash surface-to-air missile system, capable of intercepting hostile aircraft, helicopters, and drones at a range of 30 km, is now ready for user trials before its induction into the armed forces.
DRDO successfully tested the new-generation Akash missile on Friday from the integrated test range at Chandipur off the coast of Odisha, completing its developmental trials that began in January 2021.
“The flight test was conducted against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at a very low altitude. During the flight test, the target was successfully intercepted by the weapon system and destroyed,” an official said.
“This validated the functioning of the complete weapon system to intercept high-speed, agile aerial threats. The system consists of a more compact missile with an advanced indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, launcher, multi-function radar, and command, control & communication system,” he added.
Both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chief Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the teams associated with the successful flight test of Akash-NG, which was also validated through the data captured by a number of radars, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by the ITR, Chandipur.
The Army and IAF have already inducted the original Akash weapon system (AWS), with an interception range of 25 km, in large numbers. The Army, for instance, inked a deal worth Rs 8,160 crore with defence PSU Bharat Dynamics in March last year for two more AWS regiments to add to the two existing ones already with the force.
These two improved AWS regiments will have better seeker technology, a reduced footprint, 360° engagement capability, and improved environmental parameters for deployment in high-altitude areas along the frontier with China.
“The Akash-NG has more advanced technologies and features, such as improved missiles, seekers, and radars, to ensure the kill or hit probability goes up further. The Akash-NG weapon system, once deployed, will prove to be a force multiplier for the air defence capability of the IAF and Army,” the official said.
DRDO successfully tested the new-generation Akash missile on Friday from the integrated test range at Chandipur off the coast of Odisha, completing its developmental trials that began in January 2021.
“The flight test was conducted against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at a very low altitude. During the flight test, the target was successfully intercepted by the weapon system and destroyed,” an official said.
“This validated the functioning of the complete weapon system to intercept high-speed, agile aerial threats. The system consists of a more compact missile with an advanced indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, launcher, multi-function radar, and command, control & communication system,” he added.
Both Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chief Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the teams associated with the successful flight test of Akash-NG, which was also validated through the data captured by a number of radars, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by the ITR, Chandipur.
The Army and IAF have already inducted the original Akash weapon system (AWS), with an interception range of 25 km, in large numbers. The Army, for instance, inked a deal worth Rs 8,160 crore with defence PSU Bharat Dynamics in March last year for two more AWS regiments to add to the two existing ones already with the force.
These two improved AWS regiments will have better seeker technology, a reduced footprint, 360° engagement capability, and improved environmental parameters for deployment in high-altitude areas along the frontier with China.
“The Akash-NG has more advanced technologies and features, such as improved missiles, seekers, and radars, to ensure the kill or hit probability goes up further. The Akash-NG weapon system, once deployed, will prove to be a force multiplier for the air defence capability of the IAF and Army,” the official said.