Akash-NG Missile: The Akash-NG missile system, which is the Next Generation, is a type of medium-range, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, and it was developed entirely through the efforts of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is the latest member of the Akash family of air defense systems and thus has significantly better range, mobility, and precision compared to modern aerial threats. The Akash-NG missile system is designed to protect critical infrastructure and military assets not only from aircraft and drones but also cruise missiles and other airborne threats, thus becoming a mainstay of India’s air defense shield.
Akash-NG Missile: Development Timeline
India’s strategic priority for an advanced, rapid-response air defence missile system was reflected in the government’s approximate funding of ₹470 crore for the Akash-NG project that was officially sanctioned in September 2016.
Over the course of nearly ten years, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) collaborated with the Indian defense industry, including Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL), to design and perfect all major subsystems such as Multi-Function Radar (MFR), Command and Control (C2) unit, and Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV).
The weapon system has already conducted user evaluation trials and engaged aerial targets across different ranges and altitudes, demonstrating high operational reliability.
“User evaluation trials of Akash NG missile completed today, meeting all PSQR requirements,” it said in a post on X.
During the trials, the missiles successfully intercepted aerial targets at different ranges and altitudes, “including the near-boundary-low-altitude and long-range, high-altitude scenarios,” the DRDO said.
“Akash-NG, equipped with an indigenous RF seeker and propelled by a solid rocket motor, is a potent system for ensuring air defence against different types of aerial threats,” it said.
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Key Features and Technical Capabilities
1. Extended Range and Speed
One of the major upgrades in Akash-NG compared to previous versions of Akash is its significantly larger operational range, which is approximately 70 to 80 km, nearly three times the 25-30 km range of the old Akash rockets.
Besides, it flies at supersonic pace with speeds around Mach 2.5, thus, it can easily take down not only the fast-moving but also the very agile aerial targets.
2. Advanced Propulsion System
The propellant system of Akash-NG is entirely different from that of the earlier Akash missiles, which had used a ram-jet engine, as it has a second-stage dual-pulse solid rocket motor instead. The advanced propulsion system is less bulky, bette,r and faster in performance, thus increasing the missile’s resistance to saturation attacks from swarming threats.
3. Cutting-Edge Radar and Targeting Suite
Akash-NG has a state-of-the-art Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Multi-Function Radar installed, which significantly improves the detection, tracking, and fire control process, in particular, over small targets with low radar cross-sections.
Apart from that, the system also has an Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), which allows for the silent and passive following of targets (in radar-silent operations) and provides support against the threats of electronic warfare. The EOTS has a capability of 45 km for target tracking, which, in turn, improves targeting accuracy and survivability.
4. Indigenous RF Seeker and ECCM
The huge milestone in the guidance technology comes from the Indian-made Ku-band active radar seeker that has been created by the DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI). This radar not only increases the terminal tracking accuracy but also operates very well even against stealthy or low-observable targets.
Moreover, the system has very strong Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) that help to overcome the enemy jamming and electronic deception.
5. Rapid Deployment and Engagement
The Akash-NG missile system is made with canisterised launchers. It can operate at elevations between 20° to 70° across a full 360° azimuth, enabling all-direction defence coverage.
What Makes the Akash-NG Missile Special?
India plays a significant role in the development of major components such as radars, seekers, command systems, and launch vehicles, as they are all majorly made in India and supported by the domestic industry.
The cutting-edge radar and guidance mechanisms are the reasons why Akash-NG can lock on and fire at more than one target at the same time.
The system, meant to operate in all weather conditions, has its radar, seeker, and EOTS working in tandem to deliver dependable performance amid rain, fog, and electronic warfare scenarios.
Future Prospects
The success of Akash-NG’s trials has uplifted India’s indigenous air defence architecture strategically. If India is ready for full-scale production and the system is inducted, it will not only double the capacity of the Indian Air Force and Army Air Defence units, but also make the interception of modern aerial threats at medium range easy.
Moreover, it is reported that there is a possibility of international interest with Armenia, for instance, being a potential early customer, so that the exportability of this modern defence technology would be a success.
