Akash missile

Subject – Defence and Security

Context – DRDO tests Akash Prime missile

Concept –

The development of the Akash surface to air missile (SAM) was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.
Named after the original Sanskrit term for sky or space, Akash is primarily a Short Range Surface to Air Missile built to provide air defence cover to the vulnerable areas.
The Akash weapon system can simultaneously engage multiple targets in group mode or autonomous mode.
It has built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features, which means that it has mechanisms on-board that can counter the electronic systems that deceive the detection systems.
The entire weapon system has been configured on a mobile platform.
A full Akash missile system comprises a launcher, set of missiles, a control centre, an built-in mission guidance system and a C4I (command, control communication and intelligence) centres and supporting ground equipment along with a radar named Rajendra which accompanies each of the missile batteries.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Akash Missile system is 96 per cent indigenised, one of the highest proportions of the indigenisation.
The Akash missiles have been developed by DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad under the Missiles and Strategic Systems (MSS), in collaboration with several other DRDO facilities in the country along with industry partners.

The advanced versions of Akash — Akash Prime and Akash NG

The initial version of the Akash has an operational range of 27-30 km and a flight altitude of around 18 km.
The Akash Prime, which underwent its maiden flight test from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, has the same range as that of the earlier version but has a crucial new addition — that of an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy to hit aerial targets.
Other improvements in the system ensures more reliable performance under low temperature environments at higher altitudes.

Akash-NG

Akash-NG is a new generation SAM, primarily designed for the IAF with an aim of intercepting high maneuvering aerial threats that have low Radar Cross Section (RCS), which is the electromagnetic signature of the object.
Along with the increased lethality of striking threats with significantly small electromagnetic signature, the NG version has an extended range of up 70 km, is sleeker, lighter and has much smaller ground system footprint.
The RF seeker of the NG version operates in the Microwave Ku-band, the missile has a propulsion system of solid-fueled dual-pulse motor.
Akash NG is canisterised, which means that it is stored and operated from specially designed compartments.
- In the canister, the inside environment is controlled thus along with making its transport and storage easier, the shelf life of weapons also improves significantly.