DRDO Conducts Flight-Test of New Generation AKASH Missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile on January 12, 2024. The test took place at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, which is located off the coast of Odisha.

About flight test

• A flight test was conducted against a high-speed unmanned aerial target flying at a very low altitude. 
• The flight test was a success as the weapon system was able to intercept and destroy the target. 
• The system's performance was verified through data collected by several Radars, Telemetry and Electro-Optical Tracking Systems deployed by ITR, Chandipur. 
• The AKASH-NG system is a cutting-edge missile system that can intercept high-speed, agile aerial threats.

About Akash Missile (Akash-NG):

'The Akash missile now has a new variant, known as the Akash-NG.'" This surface-to-air missile can target objects up to 60 km away and fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5. 

• The Akash-NG weapon system will greatly improve the Indian Air Force's air defence capability once it is deployed. This will make the Indian Air Force much stronger.

Akash Missile:

Akash is India's first medium-range surface-to-air missile that can engage multiple targets from multiple directions.

• The missile is unique because it can be launched from mobile platforms like battle tanks or wheeled trucks and has a nearly 90% kill probability. It is supported by the indigenously developed radar called 'Rajendra.' 
• The missile is cheaper and more accurate than US Patriot missiles. This is because of its solid-fuel technology and high-tech radars.
• It can engage targets at a speed 2.5 times faster than the speed of sound and can detect and destroy targets flying at low, medium and high altitudes. 
• The Akash missile system was developed as a part of India's Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), which has been ongoing for 30 years.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) 

In 1983, the Indian government approved the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The program aimed to create five missiles: Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag, and a Technology Demonstrator Agni Missile. The project was completed in March 2012.