The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday successfully completed user evaluation trials of the Next Generation Akash missile (Akash-NG) system at the Integrated Test Range in
Odisha, confirming that the next-generation platform meets all performance requirements and is ready for induction.
Akash-NG is a state-of-the-art surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence system. It was developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). The trials mark a significant advance in the evolution of India’s air defence architecture.
What User Evaluation Trials Are And Why They Matter
User evaluation trials (UET) form the final approval stage in DRDO’s three-phase development cycle. Before a missile system is cleared for induction, it must move through developmental trials and user-assisted trials across varied conditions. Only then is it tested in user evaluation trials, where the system has to meet the provisional staff qualitative requirements of the armed forces.
The Akash-NG system completed this stage by proving its ability to intercept targets across different ranges and altitudes, including very low-altitude profiles near the boundary and long-range, high-altitude scenarios. These engagements validated the missile’s consistency, responsiveness and accuracy in a variety of real operational envelopes.
Senior DRDO scientists and Indian Air Force representatives were present during the tests. The Secretary, DD R&D and Chairman DRDO, congratulated all teams involved in the Akash-NG trials and said the successful completion of user evaluation trials has now cleared the path for the missile system’s induction into the armed forces.
.@DRDO_India 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,… pic.twitter.com/3DCcgtdph8
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) December 23, 2025
What The Akash-NG Demonstrated During The Tests
The tests showed that Akash-NG can engage high-speed aerial threats, low-altitude targets close to the boundary and long-range, high-altitude targets. The missile intercepted aerial targets at different distances and heights, proving reliable engagement against both nearby, low-flying platforms and high-altitude threats at extended ranges.
The system’s radio-frequency seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, multifunction radar, command-and-control unit and missile launch vehicle all functioned as an integrated weapon system. The trials also demonstrated effectiveness against targets with low radar cross sections, which have become increasingly common due to drones, cruise missiles and other low-signature offensive platforms.
How The Akash Family Evolved And Where Akash-NG Fits In
The Akash programme began in the late 1980s under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme led by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The first Akash variant entered service with the Air Force in 2014 and the Army in 2015. It features a range of about 27 to 30 kilometres and carries 96 per cent indigenous components. In 2020, the Cabinet cleared it for export as several foreign governments expressed interest in the system.
Akash-NG was conceived as a more mobile, longer-range, higher-precision system designed primarily for the Air Force. Development began around the mid-2010s, when the earlier version was entering service. The NG variant is meant to counter high-manoeuvring, low-radar-signature aerial threats. It has a range of 70-80 kilometres, a sleeker and lighter profile, a significantly reduced ground system footprint and a canisterised design that improves mobility and storage conditions.
The missile carries an active radio-frequency seeker, an indigenous launcher, an upgraded multifunction radar and a fully developed command, control and communication system. Its canister ensures a controlled internal environment, which improves shelf life and enables faster launch readiness. The dual-pulse solid rocket motor gives it better energy management than the older ramjet configuration. It is designed to engage multiple targets simultaneously, with a range of up to 30 km and an altitude of 18 km and travels at about two-and-a-half times the speed of sound.
Its radar can monitor up to 120 kilometres for surveillance and up to 80 kilometres for fire control. The system can track and engage up to 10 targets at the same time and offers full coverage with electronic counter-countermeasures to resist jamming or deception.
Another version, Akash Prime, mirrors the earlier Akash range but adds an indigenous active RF seeker for improved accuracy. However, Akash-NG represents the most substantial upgrade across the entire family in terms of range, mobility, speed, altitude envelope, seeker technology and target-handling capability.
Operational Lessons From The Earlier Akash
The earlier Akash has already participated in live operations. During Operation Sindoor in May, the Indian Army intercepted several Pakistani drone attacks using the Akash missile system as India responded to cross-border drone and missile activity following the April attack in Pahalgam. The operation demonstrated that Akash is not merely a deterrent but a weapon that has performed in real conflict conditions.
Akash-NG is designed to exceed that performance, particularly in terms of range, accuracy, ability to deal with low-signature targets and capacity to counter fast-moving, high-altitude or terrain-skimming aerial threats.
Why Akash-NG’s Success Matters For India’s Air Defence Shield
The completion of user evaluation trials positions Akash-NG as a major addition to India’s layered air defence network. With its extended range, higher accuracy and ability to detect and intercept low-radar-signature threats, the missile fills a crucial gap between short-range point-defence systems and long-range interception platforms.
Its canisterised design and smaller ground footprint make it more suitable for rapid deployment in forward areas. The ability to track and engage multiple targets at once enhances its resilience against saturation attacks involving drones, cruise missiles or unmanned swarms.
When positioned along India’s borders, the system can cover dense threat environments. Its deployment near the western border allows interception of aircraft or drones operating over nearby sectors such as Punjab or Rajasthan. Deployment along the northern border provides coverage against threats that may originate from areas across Ladakh or Arunachal Pradesh. The system can counter fighter aircraft, helicopters, drones, cruise missiles and air-to-surface weapons.
With fully indigenous seekers, motors, radars, command-and-control systems and launchers, the missile strengthens India’s broader effort toward self-reliance in defence production. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the Air Force and industry partners for the successful trials, and said that the state-of-the-art missile system will further strengthen air defence capabilities of the IAF.
Akash-NG’s entry into service is expected to expand India’s air defence envelope significantly, offering faster reaction, greater reach, improved mobility and stronger protection against the wide variety of aerial threats visible in current and emerging conflict theatres.
