Indian Army successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the Akash Prime surface-to-air missile system in the Ladakh sector at over 15,000 feet. The test marked a significant milestone in India’s indigenous air defence capability, especially under extreme altitude and weather conditions.
Key Highlights
- Conducted by: Indian Army’s Army Air Defence Corps in collaboration with DRDO scientists.
- Trial Outcome: Akash Prime scored two direct hits on fast, manoeuvring aerial targets in the rarified atmosphere of high-altitude Ladakh.
- Location: Trials conducted at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet.
About Akash Prime
- An upgraded version of the original Akash air defence system.
- Equipped with an improved seeker for enhanced precision, especially in extreme terrain and weather.
- Demonstrated superior performance in both trials and operational conditions, including during Operation Sindoor.
- Capable of engaging multiple aerial threats, including fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles.
Operational Significance
- Proven Performance: Played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor, countering Chinese-origin aircraft and Turkish-made drones from Pakistan.
- Successfully repelled drone attacks and ceasefire violations along the western border and LoC in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Key role in neutralising large-scale drone and missile attacks on Indian military installations on May 7–8.
System Capabilities & Features
- Range: Medium-range (25–30 km) surface-to-air missile.
- Deployment Modes: Mobile, semi-mobile, and static configurations.
- Target Engagement: Can simultaneously engage multiple targets from any direction.
- Guidance Mechanism: Operates on command guidance with phased-array radar (Rajendra radar).
- Operational Flexibility: Functions in autonomous or group mode.
Indigenous Development & Strategic Impact
- Developed by DRDO, the system is part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision for self-reliant defence manufacturing.
- Over 90% indigenous content, involving multiple DRDO labs and Indian defence industries.
- Enhances India’s layered air defence architecture; upcoming 3rd and 4th Akash regiments expected to use the Akash Prime variant.
- Strengthens India’s posture along critical borders, including China and Pakistan.
Key Facts
- Akash Missile System: First indigenously developed SAM system capable of protecting against diverse aerial threats.
- Developed by: DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Dynamics Ltd., BEL, and other PSUs.
- First inducted: 2007–2008 (IAF); later extended to the Indian Army.
- Associated Radar: Rajendra multifunction phased-array radar.
- Other Indian Air Defence Systems: QRSAM, MR-SAM (Barak-8), S-400 (imported from Russia); XRSAM under development.