Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.
About New Generation Akash missile:
- It is surface-to-air new generation missile.
- The missile intercepted the high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle at a very low altitude.
- The test has validated the functioning of the complete weapon system consisting of a missile with an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, launcher, multi-function radar and command, control and communication system.
- This was the first trial of the missile against a live target, which was successfully intercepted and destroyed.Â
- Features
- It is a new generation state-of-the-art surface-to-air missile (SAM) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to destroy high manoeuvring low radar cross section agile aerial threats.
- This advanced variant comes with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) multi-function radar that features all three functions – search, track and fire control in one platform.
- It can defend an area 10 times better compared to any short-range SAM and is capable of engaging up to 10 targets simultaneously.
- It can strike targets up to 40 km as against the earlier variant’s maximum range of 30 km.