DRDO Successfully Tests New Generation Akash Missile Off Odisha Coast

Balasore: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Friday successfully conducted flight-test of New Generation Akash missile (Akash-NG) from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha.

The flight-test was conducted at 10.30 am against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at very low altitude. The target was successfully intercepted by the weapon system and destroyed. The test validated the functioning of the complete weapon system consisting of the missile with indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control & Communication system, a PIB release said.

The new variant of the Akash missile (Akash-NG) can strike targets at a distance of around 60 km and fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5.

It further said that the system performance was also validated through the data captured by a number of radars, telemetry and electro optical tracking system deployed by ITR, Chandipur. Senior officials from DRDO, Indian Air Force (IAF), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) were present during the test, which has paved the way for user trials.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented the DRDO, IAF, PSUs and the Industry for the flight-test. “The successful development of the system will further enhance the air defence capabilities of the country,” he said.

The Akash missile system has been developed by the DRDO’s laboratory in Hyderabad in collaboration with other wings of the premier defence research organisation.  Maiden test of Akash-NG was conducted in January 2021. This new generation surface-to-air missile is meant for use by Indian Air Force with an aim of intercepting high manoeuvring low RCS (Radar Cross Section) aerial threats.