01-02-2021 | 18:15 PM
Akash-NG missile
Context
On 25 January 2021, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the surface-to-air Akash-NG (New Generation) Missile off the Odisha coast. The missile can intercept the aerial threats. The missile has been launched in order to boost the defence system of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
About Akash-NG missile
Akash-NG is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system.
Akash-NG missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The missile has been produced jointly by the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) that developed the Missile Systems and the Bharat Electronics (BEL), Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and Larsen & Toubro that developed the radars, control centres and launcher systems.
The development of the Akash-NG (Next Generation) was approved in September 2016.
The missile has the capability of targeting the aircraft up to 50-60 kms away at an altitude of 18,000 meters.
The Akash-NG missile can neutralize the aerial targets like the fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.
The missile is in operation with the Indian Army and IAF.
It utilizes an integrated ramjet-rocket propulsion system. This propulsion system provides sustained thrust for the missile after initial rocket motor burnout until its interception.
The Akash battery comprises a single Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array radar or Simple the Rajendra Radar and 4 launchers with three missiles each.
Each battery can track up to 64 targets and attack up to 12.
It comprises a 60 Kg high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead.
The missile is capable of protecting the moving convoy of vehicles and it also provides air defence missile coverage for the area of 2,000 kms.
In December 2020, the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the exports of Akash Missile defence system. Following which, countries including the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Belarus, UAE and Vietnam have shown their interest in the Akash missile system.
