New Delhi, 24 December (H.S.): The path for production of the next-generation Akash-NG missile has been cleared following the completion of evaluation trials, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force and Army, significantly bolstering the nation's indigenous air defense capabilities.

This advanced missile system, capable of neutralizing up to 10 targets simultaneously, can engage fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones, and UAVs at ranges up to 80 kilometers on the ground and altitudes reaching 20 kilometers in the sky.

Developed by DRDO's Hyderabad-based Research Centre Imarat and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the Akash-NG incorporates nearly 96 percent indigenous technology and has received government approval for export to other nations.

Though its baseline strike range stands at 40-50 kilometers, enhancements via a solid rocket motor have extended its lethality beyond 80 kilometers. The Indian Army has successfully concluded trials of this advanced version of the Akash missile defense system at the Chandipur Integrated Test Range in Odisha, a development hailed as a major stride in fortifying homegrown air defense prowess.

According to DRDO, during the tests, Akash-NG missiles precisely destroyed aerial targets at varying distances and altitudes, including low-altitude near-boundary scenarios, long-range engagements, and high-altitude profiles, demonstrating exceptional accuracy across diverse operational parameters.

Earlier, on July 17, the Indian Army had validated the indigenous Akash Prime system in Ladakh, where it downed two drones flying above 15,000 feet (4,500 meters) in high-altitude, low-oxygen conditions.

As an upgraded iteration of the original Akash weapon system, Akash Prime is optimized for such challenging terrains.Equipped with an indigenous radio frequency seeker and powered by a solid rocket motor, the Akash-NG ensures robust aerial defense against multifaceted airborne threats.

DRDO confirms that all key components—including the multi-function radar (MFR), control unit, missile launch vehicle (MLV), and sub-systems—have been indigenously developed across its laboratories.

The RF seeker enables precise target lock-on, rendering evasion by enemy fighters exceedingly difficult. The Ministry of Defence has formally validated the complete weapon system, encompassing the RF seeker, launcher, multi-function radar, and command-control-missile integration, underscoring India's advancing self-reliance in strategic defense technologies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar