The Indian Armed Forces are currently in a critical stage of user trials for the Akash-NG (New Generation) Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system, marking a significant step towards its operational induction.
The Akash-NG is a major technological advancement in India’s air defence capabilities, developed domestically by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with production assistance from Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). It is in line with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative.
Validating the system’s functionality in cold, high-altitude environments is a key goal of these continuing user trials. This is especially important for protecting India’s Himalayan border regions, notably in locations like eastern Ladakh.
To make sure the missile’s propulsion, seeker, and other electronic systems operate faultlessly under the most trying circumstances, the hostile environment of rarefied air, below-freezing temperatures, and difficult hilly terrain offers a demanding testing site.
With significant improvements, including as an increased interception range of 70 to 80 km as opposed to the 25 to 30 km of its predecessors, the Akash-NG system builds on the success of previous Akash models.
Additionally, it has an active electronically scanned array Multifunction Radar (MFR) with an optical proximity fuse, a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and an in-house Ku-band active radar seeker.
With these improvements, it can now successfully fight low radar cross-section threats and identify, track, and destroy a wide range of quick, agile aerial targets, such as hostile aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.
User teams from the Indian Army Air Defence Corps, DRDO, BDL, and BEL carry out thorough performance evaluations during trials against simulated threats such cruise missiles and fast-moving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones).
These tests are intended to verify the missile’s exceptional accuracy, manoeuvrability, and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) capabilities, guaranteeing dependability even in the face of highly advanced opponent countermeasures. Additionally, the trials highlight tactical mobility with cannisterized missile launchers, multi-target engagement, and fast reaction times, since Akash-NG can fire several missiles in a matter of seconds after acquiring targets.
In order to replicate actual operational situations in the Himalayan border regions, where air defence systems must function in spite of low atmospheric density and freezing temperatures, performance evaluations are conducted at altitudes up to 20 km. The missile can be quickly deployed in these delicate frontier areas due to its smaller ground footprint and improved mobility.
The Akash-NG system is anticipated to be formally introduced into the Indian Army and Air Force inventories following the successful conclusion of these user trials.
India’s multilayer air defence network will be significantly strengthened by this, offering a multi-tiered barrier that may improve border security and fend against contemporary aerial threats. The system’s over 96% indigenous component, which is backed by numerous Indian firms, is also a calculated move to lessen reliance on foreign military hardware.
A cutting-edge, domestic surface-to-air missile system intended to improve India’s air defence readiness, especially in its strategically vital high-altitude border regions, is being validated by the Akash-NG’s ongoing user testing.
Its sophisticated features, effective high-altitude performance, and capacity for multi-threat engagement mark a substantial breakthrough in India’s operational readiness and defence technology.
IDN (Inputs from the Agency)
