Akash Prime missile with indigenous seeker successfully tested at high altitude in Ladakh

With these flight tests in the high altitude region of Ladakh, the successful validation of the Akash Prime weapon system has been done by the Army Air Defence and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in conjunction with Defence PSUs such as Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, and other industry partners.

The initial version of the Akash missile has an operational range of 27 to 30 kilometers and a flight altitude of around 18 kilometers. The Akash Prime, which underwent its maiden flight test in September 2021 has the same range as that of the earlier version but has a crucial new addition of an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy to hit the aerial targets.

Other key enhancements in Akash Prime ensure more reliable performance under low-temperature environments at higher altitudes. These new additions have been made after receiving feedback from armed forces, for the deployment of the system to provide air defence cover for vital installations and sensitive areas in high-altitude regions. The weapon system is customised to operate in altitudes above 4,500 metres, the MoD has said.

A press statement from the MoD about the Akash Prime test reads, “This achievement carries added significance as it follows the exceptional performance of India’s indigenously developed air defence systems during Operation Sindoor. It marks a major step forward for the nation’s missile development programmes, which are now gaining increasing attention in the global defence market.”

The development of the Akash, a short to medium range surface to air missile, was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. The early systems trials, field trials and target neutralisation trials were conducted in the late 1990s and early 2000s. These were followed by the extensive user trials by the Indian Air Force and Indian Army.

Named after the original Sanskrit work for sky, Akash symbolised the deterrence in the air. It is primarily designed to provide air defence cover to the vulnerable areas and critical installations. The Akash weapon system can simultaneously engage multiple targets in group mode or in autonomous mode. It has built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features, which means that it has mechanisms on-board that can counter the electronic systems that deceive the detection systems.