The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed user evaluation trials of the Akash-NG missile system, marking a major milestone towards its induction into the Indian Armed Forces, officials said on Tuesday.
According to DRDO, the next-generation surface-to-air missile system demonstrated high precision and reliability against a wide spectrum of aerial threats. These included high-speed, low-altitude targets, as well as long-range, high-altitude targets, validating the missile’s enhanced engagement envelope.
“User evaluation trials of Akash-NG missile successfully completed today, meeting all PSQR requirements,” DRDO said in a post on X. During the trials, the missile successfully intercepted aerial targets at varying ranges and altitudes, including near-boundary low-altitude scenarios and long-range high-altitude engagements.
The Akash-NG is equipped with an indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker and is powered by a solid rocket motor, enabling faster reaction time, improved accuracy, and greater resistance to electronic countermeasures. DRDO described the system as a potent air defence solution capable of countering multiple types of aerial threats.
The Ministry of Defence also welcomed the successful trials, stating that the achievement paves the way for the missile system’s induction into the services. The ministry highlighted that Akash-NG features a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, along with fully indigenous radars and command-and-control (C2) systems, significantly boosting India’s air defence capabilities.
The successful completion of the trials reinforces India’s push for self-reliance in defence technology under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and strengthens the country’s layered air defence architecture against evolving aerial threats.
