The Indian Army has conducted a successful test firing of the Akash surface-to-air missile system
On Sunday, March 31, the Western Command of the Indian Army accomplished a successful trial of the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System. This trial, conducted as part of routine exercises to evaluate the operational preparedness of India’s defense forces, represents a significant advancement in the country’s defense capabilities.
The Akash missile system, designed and developed domestically by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), stands as a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance through initiatives like Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
DRDO congratulates the Air defence Warriors of Western Command the "Sky Gladiators" for exhibiting high degree of professionalism. Indigenous Akash weapon system proving the capability time and again, a boost to #AtmaNirbharBharat @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD https://t.co/Fk1hYgYvr4 pic.twitter.com/gagwfpgEkP
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) March 31, 2024
Named after the sky, Akash is a mid-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system conceived under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), which also saw the development of other missiles like Nag, Agni, Trishul, and Prithvi. Two variants of the missile have been developed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army (IA). The IA received its first batch of Akash missiles in May 2015, while the IAF’s induction began in March 2012, with formal inclusion into its arsenal occurring in July 2015.
The Akash SAM system boasts the capability to engage multiple airborne targets autonomously. It comprises various components, including a launcher, missile, control center, mission guidance system, multifunctional fire control radar, arming and explosion mechanism, digital autopilot, C4I centers, and associated ground equipment.
