DRDO Successful Test of New Generation Akash NG Air Defense System
Defense News , India :- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently tested the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile, marking a significant achievement in India's air defense capabilities.
The test took place at 10:30 AM at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha. The missile was aimed at a fast unmanned aerial target flying at a very low altitude.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the missile successfully intercepted and destroyed the target during the test. The entire weapon system, which includes the missile with a radio frequency seeker developed in India, launcher, multi-function radar, and command, control, and communication system, was proven to work effectively.
The performance of the system was confirmed through data collected by various radars, telemetry, and electro-optical tracking systems at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur.
The test was observed by senior officials from DRDO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The AKASH-NG system is an advanced missile system capable of intercepting fast and agile aerial threats. The successful test has set the stage for further trials.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, IAF, public sector units (PSUs), and industry for the successful test. He mentioned that the development of this system will enhance the country's air defense capabilities.
The Akash missile, developed by DRDO, has been in service for over a decade. The recent test involved a system ordered in September 2019 by the IAF. Countries in the Middle East have also shown interest in the Akash weapon system, especially after recent successful demonstrations in trials.
The Akash Weapon System is designed and developed by DRDO and manufactured by defense public sector units and other industries. It has been deployed by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army for the past decade. Additionally, the Akash system has received orders from international customers, and ongoing upgrades by DRDO scientists may lead to more orders from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
