Akash-NG

Akash - New generation (IAST: Ākāśa "Sky") abbreviated as Akash-NG is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics.[4] Private sector firm Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India is involved in Development cum Production Partner programme.[5]

For the older ramjet powered missile, see Akash (missile).

Akash-NG
Akash-NG maiden test launch.
TypeMedium range Surface-to-air missile system
Place of originIndia
Service history
In service2023 (planned)[1]
Used byIndian Air Force
Production history
DesignerDefence Research and Development Organisation
Designed2021
ManufacturerBharat Dynamics Limited
Bharat Electronics Limited
Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India
Specifications
Rate of fire
  • 1 missile in 10 seconds
  • 3 missiles in 20 seconds
WarheadFragmentation
Detonation
mechanism
Optical proximity fuze
EngineDual-pulse solid rocket motor[1]
PropellantSolid fuel
Operational
range
70–80 km (43–50 mi)[2][3]
Flight altitude0.030–14 km (98–45,932 ft)
Guidance
system
Mid-course: Inertial navigation system with two way datalink
Terminal: Active radar homing

This missile is a successor to the Akash and Akash-1S series of missiles with improvements such as a Dual-pulse solid rocket motor,[1] a canisterised launcher and an AESA Multifunction targeting radar to improve its probability of kill with a smaller ground operations and logistics footprint.[6]

The missile uses an Ku-band Active radar seeker which was revealed to the public during Aero India 2021.[1]

Development & Description

The development of the Akash-NG (New Generation) was approved in September 2016 with a funding of ₹470 crore (equivalent to ₹676 crore or US$85 million in 2023).[7] Akash-NG will have an improved reaction time and higher level of protection against saturation attacks. The second stage uses dual-pulse solid rocket motor which is lighter compare to air-breathing ramjet engine present in the earlier Akash and Akash-1S missiles. It helps in reducing the weight and footprint of the platform. An active electronically scanned array Multi-Function Radar (MFR) improves the effectiveness of the missile against targets with low radar cross-section whereas optical proximity fuze provides excellent anti-electromagnetic interference capability.[8][6]

As per Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India, Akash NG has range of 70 km and can operate upto an elevation of 20° to 70° with an azimuth of 360°. Two canister missile stacks take 10 minutes to reload. From target acquisition by command-and-control unit, the system can fire one missile within 10 seconds and in 20 seconds a salvo of three missiles can be fired. The deployment time is less than 20 minutes between transportation and ready-to-fire mode.[9][2]

Testing
  • Maiden Test : Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted the first test of the missile on 25 January 2021 from Launching Complex - III at the Integrated Test Range near Chandipur, Odisha at about 2:30 pm against an electronic target.[2]
  • 2nd Test : Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Air Force successfully conducted the 2nd test of the missile on 21 July 2021 from Launching Complex - III at the Integrated Test Range near Chandipur, Odisha at about 12:45 PM against an electronic target.[10]
  • 3rd Test : Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully test-fired the Akash-NG surface-to-air missile air defence system off the coast of Odisha in Balasore at 11:45am IST on 23rd July, 2021. The test was carried out amidst inclement weather conditions proving the all-weather capability of the weapon system. 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 & Communication system. [11]
  • 4th Test : Successful test firing at Pokhran on 26th April 2022 [12]

Operators
 India

See also

References
  1. Jha, Saurav (8 February 2021). "Developing Any Kind Of Missile Is Not Much Of An Issue For DRDO Anymore: Satheesh Reddy". Delhi Defence Review. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  2. Rout, Hemant Kumar. "Next-generation surface-to-air Akash missile successfully test-fired". The New Indian Express. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  3. "DRDO successfully tests new-generation Akash missile for second time". India today. 23 July 2023.
  4. "DRDO successfully flight-tests surface-to-air missile Akash-NG". DNA India. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  5. Kajal, Kapil (19 October 2022). "Defexpo 2022: India showcases Akash-NG mobile missile launcher". Janes. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  6. "Successful Maiden Test Launch of Akash-NG Missile". pib.gov.in. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  7. "DRDO Projects". Ministry of Defence. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2019 – via Press Information Bureau.
  8. SV, Vikas (4 December 2018). "Next generation Akash-NG to add new diamension to India's air defence capabilities". oneindia. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
  9. Kajal, Kapil (19 October 2022). "Defexpo 2022: India showcases Akash-NG mobile missile launcher". Janes. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  10. "DRDO successfully flight-tests surface-to-air missile Akash-NG". DNA India. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  11. "DRDO conducts successful flight test of Akash-NG". PIB India. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  12. "Akash-NG Missile Was Successfully Test Fired from the Firing Range at Pokhran Field". 28 April 2022.

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