Bolstering IAF's Air Defence Capabilities: DRDO Successfully Flight Tests New Generation Akash Surface-To-Air Missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG), a surface-to-air missile from Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the coast of Odisha on Wednesday (21 July).

The flight trial was conducted at around 12:45 PM from a land-based platform with all weapon system elements such as Multifunction Radar, Command, Control and Communication System and launcher participating in deployment configuration.

The missile system has been developed by Hyderabad-based Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories. The launch was witnessed by the representatives of Indian Air Force.

"In order to capture flight data, ITR deployed a number of Range stations like, Electro Optical Tracking System, Radar and Telemetry. The flawless performance of the entire weapon system has been confirmed by complete flight data captured by these systems," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

During the test, the missile demonstrated high manoeuvrability required for neutralising fast and agile aerial threats, it added.

Once deployed, the Akash-NG weapon system will prove to be a force multiplier for the air defence capability of the Indian Air Force.

Production agencies Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) also participated in the trials, the ministry said.

Following the successful trial, Defence Minister Rajnath Singhcongratulated DRDO, BDL, BEL, Indian Air Force and the Industry for the successful test.