Akash Prime: New version of Akash missile flight-tested

September 28, 2021

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has tested a new version of Akash Missile called ‘Akash Prime’ on September 27, 2021.

Highlights

It was launched from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) of Chandipur, Odisha,
Missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking an enemy aircraft during its maiden flight test after improvements.
Akash Prime missile has been equipped with an indigenous active RF (radio frequency) seeker for improving its accuracy.
Other improvements have also been made in order to bring in more reliable performance under low temperature environments at higher altitudes.
For the flight test, modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon was used.
Range stations of the ITR comprises of Radars, EOTS (Electro Optical Tracking System) and Telemetry stations. It helped in monitoring the missile trajectory and flight parameters.

Akash Missile

It is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. It was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has produced these missiles. Surveillance & Fire control radar, missile launcher and tactical control & command center were developed by Bharat Electronics (BEL), Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division as well as Larsen & Toubro. Range of the Akash Missile is up to 50–80 km and at altitudes of up to 18,000 m. These missiles can also neutralise aerial targets such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles as well as ballistic missiles. It is in service with the Indian Army as well as the Indian Air Force.

Akash Prime Missile

Akash Prime is based on the existing Akash SAM. It is equipped with an improved active radio-frequency (RF) seeker. Missile has also been optimized for low temperature and high-altitude operations with the modified ground system.

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