India’s indigenous AKASH surface-to-air missile system played a vital role in countering Pakistan’s drone strikes targeting Indian military sites during Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 8 and May 9, defence officials confirmed.

What happened during the drone attacks?

Pakistani drones launched a coordinated series of attacks across the western border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army, supported by the Indian Air Force, successfully thwarted these attempts using the AKASH air defence system. Senior officials said that both forces had pre-positioned the missile system along sensitive stretches of the Pakistan border, enabling a swift and effective response.

What makes the AKASH missile system effective?

Designed to protect vulnerable areas and points from aerial threats, the AKASH is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) system with capabilities tailored for modern air defence. It can engage multiple aerial targets — including helicopters, fighter aircraft and UAVs — simultaneously, either in group mode or autonomously.

The system is configured on mobile platforms, making it quickly deployable by both road and rail. Its command guidance system, built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM), and open system architecture allow it to respond effectively under varied combat scenarios. With a fully automatic operational mode, it offers a quick reaction time from detection to engagement.

What are its technical specifications?

The AKASH missile operates over a range of 4.5 km to 25 km and can target altitudes from 100 metres up to 20 km. It measures 5,870 mm in length, 350 mm in diameter, and weighs 710 kg. The system includes secure communication between combat elements, immunity against jamming, in-built power sources for self-sufficiency, and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) features for safety.