Akash Missile – UPSC Prelims

Indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

Mid-range surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile

Supersonic speeds ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5

Nuclear capable

It is multi target, multi directional, all weather air-defence system consisting of surveillance and tracking radars.

Akash is powered by Ramjet-rocket propulsion system.

Range: The missile has the capability to engage aerial threats up to the maximum range of 25 km and up to an altitude of 18 km operating at a speed range of 1.8 to 2.5 Mach

Cabinet has approved export of this missile.

It is a new generation Surface-to-Air Missile meant for use by the Indian Air Force.

Purpose: It will be used to intercept high-maneuvering low radar cross-section aerial threats.

Features: It is an advanced variant of Akash missile. It comes with an Active Electronically Scanned Array(AESA) multi-function radar that features all three functions – search, track and fire control in one platform.

Range: The earlier variant has a maximum range of 25-30 km while Akash-NG can strike targets up to 70 km.