India's defense industry development program is making great strides
Most recently, on September 27, 2021
DRDO successfully tested a new version of Akash Surface to Air missile Akash Prime from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha
In comparison with the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active radio frequency seeker for improved accuracy
Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low-temperature environments, at higher altitudes
A statement by the DRDO said, “The missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target "
"mimicking an enemy aircraft in its maiden flight test after improvements.”
The flight test has validated the functioning of complete weapon system consisting of the missile with indigenously developed RF Seeker
Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control and Communication system, it said
adding that the test was carried out amidst bad weather conditions, “proving the all-weather capability of the weapon system”
An Akash battery comprises a single Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array radar and four launchers with three missiles each
all of which are interlinked
Each battery can track up to 64 targets and attack up to 12 of them
The missile has a 60 kg (130 lb) high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead with a proximity fuse
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
While the Akash system has primarily been designed as an air defence SAM, it also has been tested in a missile defense role
The system provides air defence missile coverage for an area of 2,000 km2
Akash is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile system developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited
The Akash missile system can target aircraft up to 50–80 km away, at altitudes up to 18,000 m
It has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles as well as ballistic missiles
It is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force