The Akash Prime missile is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM Missile) system designed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

The Akash SAM was created to replace the Russian 2K12 Kub missile system, which is presently in use.

The Defense Research and Development Organization has tested a new version of the Akash Missile, Akash Prime missile, at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur in Odisha.

Akash Prime

The Akash Prime is fitted with an indigenous active RF seeker for better accuracy, ensuring that the missile hits its target. Other enhancements to Akash Prime missile include assuring consistent performance in low-temperature environments even at greater altitudes. For the latest flight test, the modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon was utilized. The ITR range station, which included Radars, EOTS (Electro Optical Tracking System), and Telemetry stations, tracked the missile’s trajectory and flight data.

After upgrades, the missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target resembling an enemy aircraft in its inaugural flight test.

Rajnath Singh, the Union Defense Minister, commended the Defense Research and Development Organization, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, and other stakeholders on the successful flight test of the Akash Prime.

The successful flight test, according to the defense minister, demonstrates the DRDO’s skill in designing and building world-class missile systems.

Defense Research and Development Organization

The Defense Research and Development Organization, or DRDO, is the research and development arm of the Ministry of Defense, Government of India, with the goal of providing India with cutting-edge defense technology.

It was formed in 1958 by uniting the Indian Army’s Technical Development Establishments (TDEs) and the Directorate of Technical Development And Production (DTDP) with the Defense Science Organization (DSO).

About Akash Missile

•       The Akash Prime missile is a surface-to-air missile.
•       It would be our country’s first-ever weapon platform export.
•       India has been manufacturing swift patrol boats, helicopters, ammunition, and radars for international customers.
•       The range of akash prime is 1.8 to 2.5 Mach.
•       It may be launched from tanks, which are stationary, or from moving objects such as warships and vehicles.
•       The missile was previously deployed by the Indian Air Force in 2014, and the Indian Army in 2015.
•       It has a range of 25 kilometers, which assists in preventing helicopters, fighters, and drones from assaulting key infrastructure.
•       Almost 96 percent of the missile production process is carried out in-house.
•       The missile is aided 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 can identify 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 missile.
•       In real time, the missile may engage numerous targets in both group and autonomous mode.
•       There is an Electronic Counter-CounterMeasures (ECCM) system incorporated in.
•       The system is set up on a variety of mobile platforms.
•       The missile was designed entirely by DRDO and manufactured by defense PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL)

Special Features

The distinctive features are as follows:

•       This nuclear-capable missile, Akash, can travel at a speed of up to Mach 2.5, or about 860 meters per second, and at a maximum height of 18 kilometers.
•       The missile can target aerial targets such as fighter planes, drones, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and ballistic missiles from over 30 kilometers away.

History

The Akash missile was created as part of the Integreted Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), which also included the development of the Nag, Agni, and Trishul missiles, as well as the Prithvi ballistic missile.

Akash’s initial test flight occurred in 1990, with subsequent development flight testing continuing until March 1997. Two Akash Mk-II SAMs emerged, one with a larger range, one that is quicker, and one that is more precisely built. The intercept range of the missile is 40-kilometer intercept range, and the missile’s guidance system, as well as the firing control system, are now more precise.

The Akash-NG, or Next Generation, project was authorized in September 2016 with a financing of Rs. 470 crores.

Conclusion

After upgrades, the missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target resembling an enemy aircraft in its inaugural flight test.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the armed services on the missile’s successful flight test. He went on to say that the missile’s successful test demonstrates the DRDO’s expertise in the development, design, and manufacture of world-class missile systems.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the DRDO congratulated the crew on the successful flight test of the Akash Prime Missile. He stated that the Akash Prime missile system will increase the confidence of its users, who include the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

The achievement is notable because it represents a huge step forward in India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme, which places a specific emphasis on self-reliance in defense.