The Akash Missile is an advanced air-defense system developed by India. It is a medium-range surface-to-air missile designed to protect against aerial threats. The Akash Missile system targets enemy aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles with high precision. Developed by DRDO, the missile strengthens India's air defense capabilities. 

For UPSC aspirants, the topic Akash Missile upsc falls under General Studies Paper 3. It covers the areas of Science and Technology, Defence Technology, and Indigenization of Technology. Aspirants must understand how the Akash Missile system aligns with India's defense policy and self-reliance. Knowing details about the missile, such as the Akash Missile defence range system, helps in both prelims and mains. It is crucial for scoring well in questions related to defense technologies, national security, and indigenous development.

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The Akash Missile is a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM). It is built to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft, helicopters, drones, and incoming missiles. The missile can operate in all weather conditions and terrains. It uses advanced radar called Rajendra radar for accurate targeting. The Akash Missile speed reaches up to Mach 2.5, making it fast and effective against high-speed aerial threats.

The missile is launched from mobile platforms. This gives flexibility to the Indian Air Force and Army for rapid deployment. The Akash Missile system can simultaneously engage multiple targets. It helps protect vital assets like military bases, airfields, and important cities from aerial attacks.

Development and History of Akash Missile

The Akash Missile was developed by India's DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) in the 1980s, to enhance indigenous defense capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign missile systems.

DRDO’s Role

The Akash Missile was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Development started in the 1980s under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). This programme aimed at making India self-reliant in missile technology. Other missiles from this programme include Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, and Nag.

The Akash Missile system took several decades to perfect. Early trials faced technical challenges, but DRDO overcame them. The missile entered active service with the Indian armed forces in 2009.

Induction and Deployment

The Indian Air Force inducted the Akash Missile system first. It was later adopted by the Indian Army. Both forces now operate multiple regiments equipped with this missile. They use it extensively along sensitive borders and strategic locations.

Recently, the upgraded variant Akash Prime Missile was inducted. It has enhanced radar capability and better precision. This upgrade further improves India’s air defense network.

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The Akash Missile is an advanced surface-to-air missile featuring solid-fuel propulsion, command radar guidance, a high-explosive warhead, and rapid mobility, designed for effective interception of aerial threats under all weather conditions.

Missile Type and Features

The Akash Missile is a medium-range surface-to-air missile. It has solid-fuel rocket propulsion, making it quick to launch. The missile weighs about 720 kg and is nearly 5.8 meters long. It carries a warhead weighing about 60 kg, capable of destroying aerial threats completely.

The missile uses command guidance. The radar system tracks both the missile and the target simultaneously. This makes the missile accurate and effective against high-speed targets.

Akash Missile Speed and Range

The Akash Missile speed is up to Mach 2.5 (around 3,000 km/h). It can hit targets at altitudes from 30 meters to 18 kilometers. The operational range of the original Akash Missile is about 25 to 30 km. The upgraded Akash Prime Missile range is slightly higher, offering improved performance.

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Akash Missile Variants

The Akash Missile has several variants developed to enhance its capabilities:

• Akash Mk-1: The initial version deployed by Indian Army and Air Force, providing medium-range air defense, capable of intercepting aerial threats effectively.
• Akash-1S: An upgraded variant featuring advanced seeker technology and improved accuracy, making it highly effective against smaller, fast-moving aerial threats.
• Akash Prime Missile: The latest advanced version with an extended range, enhanced radar guidance, and improved performance against low-altitude threats like drones.
• Akash-NG (Next Generation): Under development, the Akash-NG features improved range, lighter missile design, and active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar integration for higher precision.

Akash Missile System and Radar Capabilities

The Akash Missile system relies on advanced radar technology, primarily the Rajendra radar, providing real-time tracking, precise guidance, and simultaneous engagement of multiple aerial targets, ensuring robust air defense capabilities.

Rajendra Radar

The Rajendra radar is the core of the Akash Missile system. It is a multifunctional radar capable of tracking multiple targets. It guides missiles precisely towards incoming threats. The radar can detect targets up to 80 km away.

It provides real-time updates and mid-course corrections. This advanced radar makes the Akash Missile reliable in detecting stealth aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.

Command and Control System

The Akash air defence system has a robust command and control setup. It coordinates radar, missile launchers, and mobile command centers effectively. The entire system moves quickly, ensuring rapid response to threats. It is operationally flexible and adapts easily to battlefield requirements.

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Akash Prime Missile: Advanced Version

The Akash Prime Missile is the latest and advanced version of the original missile. It features improved radar guidance, accuracy, and efficiency. It effectively targets low-altitude flying threats such as drones and cruise missiles.

Recent trials showed the Akash Prime Missile range effectively engaging targets at extended distances. DRDO has stated the new variant significantly enhances India's air defense capabilities.

Comparison: Akash Missile vs Other SAM Systems

Here is the "Comparison: Akash Missile vs Other SAM Systems" presented clearly in a tabular form suitable for UPSC aspirants:

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Government Initiatives and Indigenization

The government supports the Akash Missile through initiatives promoting indigenous development, enhancing self-reliance, reducing imports, and boosting India's defense exports.

• Make in India promotes local production of the Akash Missile system, enhancing self-reliance in defense technology.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat supports DRDO’s projects like Akash, emphasizing indigenous innovation and reducing import dependency.
• Defence Export Policy actively markets the Akash Missile globally, with countries showing interest in procuring it.
• Public-private partnerships include collaborations with companies like Bharat Dynamics Limited, Tata Power, and L&T for production.

Conclusion

The Akash Missile is a key asset in India's defense strategy. Its deployment enhances national security, ensuring robust air defense. For UPSC, understanding Akash Missile upsc with current and static data is essential. Linking concepts from NCERT textbooks further strengthens preparation. The missile showcases India’s self-reliance in critical defense technology, marking significant progress in indigenous innovation.

We hope that all your doubts regarding the topic Air to Air Missile are addressed in this article. Along with UPSC Online Coaching, Testbook offers standard quality study material for various competitive exams assuring the best quality notes, live tests, and current affairs. Download the Testbook App now and ace your UPSC preparations!