SOURCE: AFI
India’s next-generation air defense capabilities are poised for a critical test as the Akash-NG (New Generation) surface-to-air missile (SAM) prepares for high-altitude trials within the next two months. Under the watchful eyes of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army, these trials will push the system to its limits in rugged, mountainous terrain—likely along the northern borders—marking a significant step toward its operational deployment. With developmental testing nearing completion, the Akash-NG is on track to bolster India’s ability to counter advanced aerial threats, from fighter jets to drones, in challenging environments.
The Akash-NG, an advanced iteration of the indigenous Akash SAM system, has been in development since 2016, with a budget of ?470 crore (approximately $78 million in 2023 terms). Designed by DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad, and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), this missile promises enhanced lethality over its predecessors. Unlike the original Akash, which has a range of 25-30 kilometers and an altitude ceiling of 18 kilometers, the Akash-NG extends its reach to 70-80 kilometers, thanks to a dual-pulse solid rocket motor and a sleek, lightweight design.
Equipped with an indigenous Ku-band active radar seeker unveiled at Aero India 2021, the Akash-NG can track and neutralize high-speed, low-radar-cross-section targets—think agile drones or stealthy aircraft. Its multi-function radar (MFR) and optical proximity fuse further enhance its resilience against electronic countermeasures, while a canisterized launcher reduces its ground footprint, making it ideal for rapid deployment. These upgrades position the Akash-NG as a force multiplier for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Army, capable of engaging ten targets simultaneously with a kill probability exceeding 90%.
The upcoming trials, slated for April 2025, will test the Akash-NG’s performance in high-altitude conditions—potentially in regions like Ladakh or Sikkim, where altitudes exceed 15,000 feet. Supervised jointly by DRDO and the Indian Army, the tests aim to validate the missile’s ability to operate in thin air, extreme cold, and complex terrain—conditions critical for defending India’s Himalayan borders against threats from China or Pakistan. Posts on X from February 22, 2025, suggest that a First of Prototype Model (FoPM) with enhanced capabilities is expected to undergo these trials within 45 days, aligning with the two-month timeline from late February.
High-altitude testing is no small feat. At such elevations, reduced oxygen levels challenge propulsion systems, while low temperatures strain electronics and launch mechanisms. The Akash-NG’s predecessor, Akash Prime, was optimized for low-temperature, high-altitude operations, and the NG variant builds on that foundation with improved seekers and radar. Success here would confirm the system’s readiness for user trials, a prerequisite for induction into the armed forces.
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