The New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), underwent a successful flight test on Friday. The test took place at 10:30 AM at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile demonstrated its advanced capabilities by intercepting a high-speed unmanned aerial target flying at a very low altitude. With a range of approximately 80 km, the AKASH-NG missile system is at the forefront of technology and is designed to counter agile aerial threats. The official DRDO account on X(formerly Twitter) shared a video of the test, stating, “Next Generation Akash missile successfully flight tested from ITR, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha today at 10:30hrs against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at very low altitude.”
The complete weapon system’s successful functioning has been officially announced by the Ministry of Defence. According to the Ministry of Defence, the system, which includes a missile with an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, launcher, multi-function radar, and command, control, and communication system, has been validated. The news agency ANI quoted the Ministry of Defence as saying that senior officers from DRDO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) were present during the flight test. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the flight test and emphasized its importance in strengthening India’s defense capabilities. He stated that the successful development of the system will further enhance the country’s air defense capabilities.
The DRDO has successfully designed and developed the Akash Weapon System, which is being manufactured by defense public sector units and other industries within India. The team is currently working on developing various advanced versions of the missile.
This highly capable weapon system has garnered international attention and has received orders from different countries. Additionally, nations in the Middle East have expressed their interest in acquiring it.