India's Akash SAM Missile Successfully Tested

The Indian Army successfully tested the indigenously developed Akash Surface-to-Air missile for the second time yesterday at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.

The first successful trail was conducted on 21st Feb 2014. The trials are being conducted in various engagement modes from the first of Production Model system being produced to equip two regiments of Indian Army.

“Development and production of Akash weapon system with the active participation of DRDO labs, Public Sector Units (PSUs), Ordnance Factories, National R&D Laboratories, academic Institutions and about 200 private industries is yet another symbol of India’s strength in making indigenous weapon systems”, stated Shri AvinashChander, Scientific Advisor to RakshaMantri and Secretary Deptt of Defence R&D, congratulating the production agencies, Indian Army and DRDO team. “The successful trials show the continuing excellence of Indian weapon systems”.

The Akash Surface-to-Air missile is capable of engaging aerial threats upto a distance of approximately 25 kms. The multi target, multi directional, all weather air-defence system consisting of surveillance and tracking radars, control centres and ground support systems mounted on high mobility vehicles for the “Army” version of Akash is designed to enable integration with other air defence command and control networks through secured communication links.

Developed by DRDO, the Army version of Akash is being produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) as the nodal production agency with the involvement of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and a large number of other industries. The total production value of Akash air defence systems cleared for induction by Indian Army and Indian Air force is more than $3.7 Billion.