India has test fired its indigenously-built surface-to-air Akash missile from complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. It was as part of a user trial mission. A total of three rounds of test were carried out by Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel aiming at para-barrel targets.
About Akash Missile
- The Akash (sky) is a mid-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
- It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India under the integrated guided-missile development programme (IGMDP).
- Akash has the capability to “neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles” as well as ballistic missiles.
- The Akash system is fully mobile and capable of protecting a moving convoy of vehicles. The launch platform has been integrated with both wheeled and tracked vehicles.
- Malaysia, Thailand and Belarus had shown interest in purchasing the Akash missile system.
- Akash is powered by Ramjet-rocket propulsion system which renders thrust for the missile to intercept the target at supersonic speed without any retardation.
- It can fly at supersonic speed ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5 and can engage aerial targets upto a range of approximately 25 km.
- The missile was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force in July 2015.
- Compared with the American MIM-104 Patriot, the surface-to-air missile system, Akash has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.
