New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) completed user evaluation trials of its next-generation Akash air defence missile system on Tuesday, marking a critical step toward inducting the advanced weapon into the armed forces. DRDO announced the system met all preliminary service quality requirements during testing.

The trials demonstrated the Akash-NG's ability to intercept aerial targets across varying ranges and altitudes, including challenging near-boundary low-altitude and long-range high-altitude scenarios, according to the Ministry of Defence. The tests were conducted at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha.

Indigenous Technology Marks Defence Milestone

Developed by DRDO and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, the Akash-NG represents a technological leap in India's air defence capabilities. The system features an indigenous radio frequency seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and command-and-control systems.

"DRDO successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of the Next-Generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile system, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Armed Forces," the Ministry of Defence stated. The system demonstrated precision against diverse aerial threats, including high-speed and low-altitude targets.

The Akash-NG is designed to engage multiple targets simultaneously with a range of up to 30 kilometres and an altitude ceiling of 18 kilometres, though some defence analysts suggest the system's operational range may extend to 70-80 kilometres.

Strengthening Self-Reliance in Defence

The successful trials align with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to reduce dependency on foreign defence equipment. India's defence production reached a record ₹1,27,434 crore in 2023-24, up from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15.

The Akash-NG succeeds the original Akash missile system, which has been operational with the Indian Air Force since 2014 and the Army since 2015. The next-generation variant is lighter, weighing approximately 350 kilograms compared to the original's 720 kilograms, and incorporates a solid rocket motor replacing the earlier ramjet engine.

Earlier this month, DRDO also successfully tested a fighter aircraft escape system at 800 kilometres per hour, placing India among select nations with advanced in-house testing capabilities for such systems.

With the completion of user trials, the Akash-NG system is expected to be inducted into both the Indian Air Force and Army, strengthening the nation's layered air defence network against contemporary aerial threats.