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The Indian Army has achieved a significant milestone in bolstering its air defense capabilities with the successful testing of the Akash Prime missile system in Ladakh. This new variant of the Akash surface-to-air missile demonstrated its effectiveness by scoring two confirmed kills against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at an altitude of 15,000 feet. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first trial of Akash Prime at such high altitudes, showcasing its adaptability and reliability in challenging operational environments. The deployment of Akash Prime will further strengthen India's air defense network, particularly in strategically important regions like Ladakh, where the threat of aerial incursions remains a constant concern. The Akash missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has already proven its worth in previous operations, including Operation Sindoor, where it played a crucial role in thwarting attempts by adversaries to target Indian cities and defense establishments. The Akash Prime variant incorporates several upgrades, including an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, which enhances its ability to track and destroy targets in the terminal phase of flight. This advanced seeker technology allows the missile to effectively lock onto and engage targets even in the presence of electronic countermeasures, ensuring a high probability of kill. Furthermore, the Akash Prime has been specifically modified to operate effectively at altitudes above 4,500 meters, making it ideally suited for deployment in mountainous regions like Ladakh. The successful testing of Akash Prime underscores India's growing self-reliance in defense technology and its commitment to developing indigenous solutions to meet its security challenges. The addition of Akash Prime to the Indian Army's arsenal will significantly enhance its ability to defend against aerial threats and safeguard its territorial integrity. The Akash missile system is a vital component of India's multi-layered air defense network, which includes a combination of short-range, medium-range, and long-range missiles, as well as fighter jets and other air defense assets. This comprehensive network provides a robust shield against a wide range of aerial threats, ensuring the safety and security of Indian airspace. The Akash system’s deployment on mobile platforms further enhances its flexibility and responsiveness, allowing it to be quickly deployed to different locations as needed. This mobility is crucial for maintaining a credible air defense posture in a dynamic and ever-changing security environment. The development and deployment of Akash Prime is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of Indian scientists and engineers, who have worked tirelessly to create a world-class air defense system that meets the specific needs of the Indian armed forces. The Akash missile system is a prime example of India's commitment to 'Make in India' initiative, which aims to promote indigenous manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign arms imports. The successful development and deployment of Akash Prime will not only enhance India's security but also boost its economy by creating jobs and fostering technological innovation. The Akash missile system's effectiveness has been demonstrated in various operational scenarios, including Operation Sindoor, where it played a key role in neutralizing aerial threats. The system's ability to operate in all weather conditions and its advanced electronic countermeasures make it a formidable weapon against a wide range of aerial targets. The Akash missile system is also equipped with a fully automatic command and control system, which enables it to quickly acquire, identify, and neutralize targets. This automation reduces the workload on operators and allows them to respond more effectively to threats. The Akash missile system is a crucial asset for the Indian armed forces, and its continued development and upgrades will ensure that it remains a relevant and effective weapon for years to come. The successful testing of Akash Prime in Ladakh is a clear demonstration of India's commitment to protecting its borders and safeguarding its national interests.
The Akash missile system, a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, boasts a range of 20 kilometers, providing a crucial layer of defense against aerial threats. Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, a distinguished former scientist at the DRDO, played a pivotal role in its development approximately 15 years ago. The system is specifically designed to offer short-range protection against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A key feature of the Akash system is its built-in electronic countermeasures (ECM), which are designed to protect the missile from enemy jamming and other electronic warfare tactics. This capability is essential for ensuring the missile's effectiveness in a contested environment. Furthermore, the entire Akash system is configured on mobile platforms, enhancing its maneuverability and making it a potent addition to the military's arsenal. This mobility allows the system to be quickly deployed to different locations as needed, providing a flexible and responsive air defense capability. Each Akash launcher is equipped with three missiles, which operate in a 'fire and forget' mode. This means that once the missile is launched, it autonomously tracks and engages its target, without requiring further guidance from the launch platform. This feature significantly enhances the system's operational effectiveness and reduces the workload on operators. The Akash missiles are approximately 20 feet long and weigh 710 kilograms each. Each missile carries a 60-kilogram warhead, providing sufficient destructive power to neutralize a wide range of aerial targets. The system is deployed on tracked vehicles, enabling all-weather, all-terrain deployment. This ruggedized design ensures that the system can operate effectively in even the most challenging environments. The missile utilizes an integral ramjet rocket propulsion system, providing it with high speed and maneuverability. An onboard digital autopilot ensures stability and control throughout the missile's flight. The missile also features all-the-way command guidance for the full range of operation. This guidance system allows for precise control of the missile's trajectory, ensuring that it accurately intercepts its target. The Akash system is fully automatic and has real-time, multi-sensor data processing and threat evaluation capabilities. This advanced system rapidly acquires, identifies, and neutralizes targets, minimizing the time required to engage threats. The Akash NG (Next-generation) variant is currently under development and will feature a longer range compared to the existing Akash variants. This upgrade will further enhance the system's capabilities and extend its area of coverage. The Akash system's crucial role during Operation Sindoor highlights its importance in India's multi-layered air defense system. The system, developed by DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), played a key role in thwarting Pakistan's attempts to target Indian cities and defense establishments. India deployed its India's Integrated Air Command and Control System, an automated system that integrates data from various forces to combat aerial threats. This system provides a comprehensive view of the airspace, allowing for effective coordination of air defense assets. The multi-layered air defense system includes various components, such as Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), ack-ack air defense guns like the L70, ZSU 23 Shilka, and Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS). These systems form the inner layer of air defense, providing protection against very-short range aerial targets like low-flying drones.
The second layer of India's multi-layered air defense system includes point defense systems that protect specific areas or assets. Short-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) like Spyder, Pechora, and OSA-AK are also part of this layer. The third layer is formed by medium-range SAMs like Akash and the Indo-Israeli MRSAM. The outer layer for area defense is provided by long-range SAMs like the S-400 and fighter jets. This layered approach ensures that India has multiple layers of defense against aerial threats, making it difficult for adversaries to penetrate its airspace. Lt General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, used a cricket analogy to stress the importance of India's multi-layered counter-drone and air defense grid. He compared the air defense grid to the Australian fast-bowlers Jeff Thompson and Dennis Lillee in the 1970s, quoting the line, "Ashes to Ashes. Dust to dust. If Lillee don't get you, Thommo must..." to explain India's integrated air defence, which includes the Akashteer system. This analogy effectively illustrates the concept of multiple layers of defense, where even if one layer fails, another layer is in place to intercept the threat. The Akash missile system is a vital component of India's air defense capabilities, providing a crucial layer of protection against a wide range of aerial threats. Its successful development and deployment are a testament to India's commitment to self-reliance in defense technology. The Akash Prime variant represents a significant upgrade to the existing Akash system, enhancing its performance and expanding its operational capabilities. The successful testing of Akash Prime in Ladakh demonstrates its effectiveness in high-altitude environments, making it particularly well-suited for deployment in mountainous regions. The Akash missile system is a valuable asset for the Indian armed forces, and its continued development and upgrades will ensure that it remains a relevant and effective weapon for years to come. The Akash missile system's importance extends beyond its military capabilities. It also contributes to India's economic growth by creating jobs and fostering technological innovation. The development and production of the Akash missile system involve a wide range of Indian companies and organizations, creating a robust domestic defense industry. The Akash missile system is a symbol of India's growing technological prowess and its commitment to protecting its national interests. Its success is a source of pride for the Indian people and a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of Indian scientists and engineers. The Akash missile system is a vital component of India's national security strategy, providing a credible deterrent against aerial aggression. Its continued development and deployment will ensure that India remains a secure and prosperous nation.
Source: 'Confirmed Kill': Watch Akash's New Variant Destroy Aerial Targets In Ladakh