The Indian Army has successfully tested the Akash Prime air defence system in high-altitude Ladakh, marking a significant advancement in India’s indigenous missile capability and air defence preparedness.

• Conducted by the Army Air Defence Corps in collaboration with DRDO scientists.
• Akash Prime will form the third and fourth regiments of the Akash Air Defence Systems in the Indian Army.

About Akash Prime

• Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash air defence system.
• Key Feature: It is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, enhancing precision regardless of weather and terrain.
• Operational Role: Designed to protect mobile, semi-mobile, and static military installations from aerial threats.
• Deployment Capabilities: It can be deployed at heights up to 4,500 metres and neutralise targets at a range of 25–30 km.
• Application: Akash Prime was initially deployed during Operation Sindoor to counter aerial threats from Pakistan
• Development: By Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with support from Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

Indigenous missile technology 

• Ballistic Missiles:  Ballistic missiles follow a high-arching trajectory and are used primarily for long-range and strategic strikes.
  • Agni Series: These are long-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles forming the core of India’s strategic deterrent.
  • Prithvi Series: Short-range ballistic missiles with tactical applications.
  • Shaurya: A hypersonic surface-to-surface missile with a range of 700–800 km, known for high maneuverability and stealth. It can deliver nuclear warheads.
• Cruise Missiles: Cruise missiles fly at low altitudes and follow programmed routes, enabling precise strikes.
  • BrahMos: A supersonic cruise missile developed with Russia. It can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarines. Known for high speed (Mach 2.8–3) and accuracy.
  • Nirbhay: India’s indigenous subsonic cruise missile with a range of over 1,000 km. Capable of carrying different types of warheads and targeting multiple sites.
• Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM):
  • Nag: A third-generation fire-and-forget missile with top-attack capability. It can be launched from land or vehicle-mounted systems.
• Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM): SAMs intercept and destroy incoming enemy aircraft, missiles, or drones.
  • Akash: Medium-range SAM capable of engaging multiple aerial targets. Fully indigenous and deployed by the Indian Army and Air Force.
  • Barak-8 (LRSAM/MRSAM): Jointly developed with Israel. Designed to intercept aircraft, UAVs, and missiles at ranges of 70–100 km.
• Anti-Ship and Anti-Submarine Missiles:
  • BrahMos (Naval Variant): Deployed on warships and submarines for engaging sea and land targets with high-speed strikes.
  • Dhanush: A ship-launched ballistic missile derived from Prithvi. Capable of hitting coastal and naval targets up to 350 km away.
  • Varunastra: A heavyweight torpedo developed for anti-submarine warfare. Can be launched from ships and submarines with autonomous targeting features.

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