What Akash-NG’s Successful Trials Mean for India’s Air Defence Shield - WATCH

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successful user evaluation trials of the Akash-NG (Next-Generation) missile system mark a significant upgrade in India’s air defence architecture, strengthening its ability to counter a wide range of aerial threats. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday "successfully completed" user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash missile system. The successful user evaluation trials of the new generation Akash Missile System pave the way for its induction into the armed forces.Read More - Built On Kalam's Ideals, Fired With Precision: How Akash Missile System Crushed Pakistan Air Defences

Top Points About Akash-NG Missile System

The Akash-NG Missile System can act against

1. high-speed aerial threats
2. low-altitude aerial threats
3. long-range high-altitude targets

The Akash-NG Missile System is equipped with

1. Radio Frequency Seeker
2. Dual-Pulse Solid Rocket Motor
3. Indigenous Radars
4. C2 System

These features enable the Next-Generation Akash Missile System to detect, engage and destroy the targets.

What DRDO and Defence Ministry Said

The system demonstrated high precision against diverse aerial threats, including high-speed, low-altitude and long-range high-altitude targets, according to the DRDO. "User evaluation trials of Akash NG missile successfully completed today, meeting all PSQR requirements," it said in a post on X.

During the trials, the missiles successfully intercepted aerial targets at different ranges and altitudes, "including the near-boundary-low-altitude and long-range, high-altitude scenarios," the DRDO said. "Akash-NG, equipped with an indigenous RF seeker and propelled by a solid rocket motor, is a potent system for ensuring air defence against different types of aerial threats," it said.The Ministry of Defence, in a post on X, said, "DRDO successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of the Next-Generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile system, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Armed Forces." The system demonstrated high precision against diverse aerial threats, including high-speed, low-altitude and long-range high-altitude targets, it said."Equipped with an indigenous RF seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and C2 systems, Akash-NG marks a major boost to India's air defence capability," the ministry added.

Akash Missile System Deployed During Operation Sindoor

For the unversed, India had deployed the Akash Missile System during Operation Sindoor in May this year. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. The four-day clash saw intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.The Indian Army successfully intercepted multiple Pakistani drone attacks using the indigenous Akash Missile System. The system was initially created under the leadership of former DRDO scientist Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, handpicked by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The Made-in-India defence equipment like the Akash Missile System, BrahMos and the AkashTeer Air Defence Control System have bolstered India's reputation both regionally and internationally, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.