DRDO Completes Successful User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG Surface-to-Air Missile System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced the successful completion of user evaluation trials for the Akash-NG missile system, a significant step towards its integration into the Indian Armed Forces.
The DRDO stated that the next-generation surface-to-air missile system exhibited high precision and reliability against a variety of aerial threats. This included successfully targeting high-speed, low-altitude, as well as long-range, high-altitude targets, effectively demonstrating the missile's enhanced engagement capabilities.
“User evaluation trials of Akash-NG missile successfully completed today, meeting all PSQR requirements,” DRDO reported on X. During these trials, the missile effectively intercepted aerial targets across different ranges and altitudes, including scenarios involving low-altitude near-boundary and long-range high-altitude engagements.
Featuring an indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker and powered by a solid rocket motor, the Akash-NG offers faster reaction times, improved accuracy, and heightened resistance to electronic countermeasures. DRDO described the missile system as an effective air defence solution capable of addressing multiple types of aerial threats.
The Ministry of Defence commended the successful trials, noting that this achievement lays the groundwork for the missile system's formal induction into service. The ministry pointed out that Akash-NG is equipped with a dual-pulse solid rocket motor and entirely indigenous radars and command-and-control (C2) systems, which significantly boost India's air defence capabilities.
The successful trials highlight India's focus on achieving self-reliance in defence technology under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, while enhancing the nation's layered air defence system to combat evolving aerial threats.
