Hello, Warriors. India, on 28th January 2016 test-fired its indigenously developed surface-to-air Akash missile as part of a user trial from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur.
The two missiles were simultaneously launched from the Integrated Test Range against two flying targets. The exercise of launching the missiles was carried out by Indian Air Force personnel as part of their user training aiming at para-barrel targets.
Its development plan was initiated in 1984, and after a series of tests and improvements, it has been inducted into the Army.
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Here are a few facts you must know about this development in the Armed Forces:
- The asset of this supersonic short-range surface-to-air missile system is its capability to neutralise multiple aerial targets coming from different directions at the same time.
- The medium range missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a medium-range surface-to-air anti-aircraft defence system with a strike range of 25 km.
- While it can carry a warhead of 60 kg, it has the capability to target aircraft up to 25 km away and is packed with a battery that can track and attack several targets simultaneously.
- It can fly at supersonic speed ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5 and can engage aerial targets up to a range of approximately 25 km.
- It is a part of the five-missile programme of the Integrated Missile Development Programme initiated in 1984.
- Propelled by an Integrated Ramjet Rocket Engine, Akash sustains the speeds without deceleration throughout its flight, without any retardation.
- The system consists of surveillance and tracking radars, control centres and ground support systems.
- This all-weather missile system can work from both static and mobile platforms.
- The missile was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in July 2015. Compared with the American MIM-104 Patriot, the surface-to-air missile system, Akash has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.
The Akash missile will replace the Russian weaponry system that is currently being used by the Army Air Defence Corps. Two regiments have been ordered by the Army initially, each worth about Rs 19,000 crore.
