Akash Missile: Range, Speed, & Strategic Significance

Context:

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of the New Generation Akash Missile (AKASH-NG) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

The AKASH-NG Missile: Akash Missile

• Akash Missile is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high-speed, agile aerial threats. 
• Akash Missile is a surface-to-air Missile. 
• Akash Missile can strike targets at a distance of around 60 km and fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5.
• Developed by: Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics.

Akash-NG Missile: Precision Interception Against High-Speed Aerial Threats

• Indigenous Surface-to-Air Missile: India’s first indigenously produced medium-range Surface to Air missile that can engage multiple targets from multiple directions.
• Uniqueness: It can be launched from mobile platforms like battle tanks or wheeled trucks.
  • Akash Missile has a nearly 90% kill probability.
• Supported RADAR: The indigenously developed Rajendra.
• Electronic counter-counter measures: It has built-in electronic counter-counter measures (ECCM) features, which can help the missile punch through enemy jamming and other methods of evasion.
• Target Range: Akash Missile can hit targets between 4.5 km to 25 km, with an effective altitude of 100 meters to 20 km.
• Significance: Cheaper and accurate, have solid-fuel technology and high-tech radars.

News Source: The Hindu

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