Successful Maiden Flight Test of Akash Prime Missile

• A new version of the Akash Missile, Akash Prime was successfully flight tested today from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.
• The missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking enemy aircrafts, in its maiden flight test after improvements.
• In comparison to the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency seeker for improved accuracy.

About Akash Missiles

• Indigenously developed all-weather, air defence weapon missile
• Uses a high explosive, pre-fragmented warhead that can engage multiple threats simultaneously.
• The medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile system has been developed by DRDO.
• The Akash Surface to Air (SAM) system can engage with multiple air targets while operating in fully autonomous mode.
• The system comprises a:

1. Launcher,
2. Control centre,
3. Multifunctional fire control radar,
4. System arming and explosion mechanism,
5. Digital autopilot,
6. C4I (Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence) centres,
7. Ground equipment and
8. An integral mission guidance system.

• It is Designed to be launched from mobile platforms or static such as combat tanks and battle trucks,
• Can handle multiple targets and destroy aerial targets, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), fighter aircraft, cruise missiles and missiles launched from helicopters.

Significance of Improvements in Akash Prime over Akash

• The improvements ensure more reliable performance under low temperature environments at higher altitudes.
• Modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system has been used for the current flight test.
• The range stations of Integrated Test Range (ITR) comprising Radars, Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and Telemetry stations monitored the missile trajectory and flight parameters.