Akash Missile System: Features

Akash Missile System: Features

Question – Akash is one of the most prestigious and important missile systems indigenously developed in India. Elaborate by examining the features of this missile system.

• Army has got supersonic firepower to take on:

- Enemy fighters
- Drones
- Helicopters
- Sub Sonic Missiles through Akash

• Akash is a surface to air missile system

• Akash missiles have an interception range of 25 km

• They will replace outdated weapon systems in the army

• Initially two Akash regiments were ordered for INR 14,180 crore with six firing batteries and hundreds of missiles

• The first one will be set up in 2015, the second in 2016

• Akash is a step towards self realisation of indigenisation

• IAF has began to deploy 6 Akash missile squadrons in north east for countering China’s budding military infrastructure along the LAC

• IAF ordered 8 Akash squadrons for INR 6200 crore

• Akash is one of the 5 core missile systems developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme

• The programme was launched by DRDO in 1984

• At 96% indigenisation, Akash connotes major capability development

• Akash has been developed by DRDO and built by Bharat Dynamics Limited/BDL

• Each regiment of Akash comprises 6 launchers

• Each launcher has three missiles

• Akash has a massive operational envelope from 30 metres to 20 km

• It can also engage UAVs/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles alongside helicopters and fighter planes

Facts and Stats

• Akash system can engage multiple targets

• It can target objects in all weather conditions

• Army variant of Akash is designed for high mobility

• IAF version is slightly less mobile