DRDO Conducts Successful Flight-Test of New Generation AKASH Missile

Balasore: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile. The test took place at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on January 12, 2024, at 10:30 hrs. The flight-test targeted a high-speed unmanned aerial target flying at very low altitude, and the missile system intercepted and destroyed the target, validating the functionality of the complete weapon system.

The AKASH-NG missile system includes the missile with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar, and Command, Control & Communication system. The successful test not only demonstrated the precision of the missile but also confirmed the integrated performance of the entire weapon system.

The system’s performance was thoroughly assessed through data captured by various Radars, Telemetry, and Electro Optical Tracking Systems deployed by ITR, Chandipur. Senior officials from DRDO, Indian Air Force (IAF), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) witnessed the flight-test.

The AKASH-NG system is an advanced missile system designed to intercept high-speed, agile aerial threats. The successful flight-test marks a crucial step forward and opens the door for upcoming User trials, further validating the capabilities of the missile system.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh commended the success of the flight-test, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of DRDO, IAF, PSUs, and the industry. He highlighted that the successful development of the AKASH-NG system would significantly enhance the country’s air defense capabilities.

Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, extended congratulations to the teams involved in the successful flight-test of the AKASH-NG, emphasizing the technological advancements achieved in bolstering the nation’s defense capabilities