Akash-NG Missile

• 08 Jan 2026

Source:IE 

Why in News?  

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed User Evaluation Trials (UET) of the Akash-NG (Next Generation) , clearing the path for its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF). 

• The development cycle of systems from DRDO broadly consists of three phases: developmental trials, user-assisted trials in various conditions, and UETs.  
  • The successful UET clears the way for the induction of the system, and an acceptance of necessity (AoN) is issued by the user, which, in Akash-NG’s case, is the IAF.

Summary

• DRDO has successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG, clearing the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force and marking a major step in India’s indigenous air defence capability. 
• Akash-NG is a lighter, longer-range, and more lethal upgrade over the original Akash, designed to counter high-speed, low-RCS aerial threats and strengthen India’s layered air defence under Atmanirbhar Bharat. 

What are the Key Facts About the Akash-NG? 

• About: Akash-NG is a next-generation surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed for the IAF to intercept high-speed, high-manoeuvring, low radar cross-section (RCS)  aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, with a range of up to 70 km and faster response time. 
• Development and Production: The system is indigenously developed by DRDO (with 96% indigenous components) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. 
• Performance Features: Akash-NG can fly at Mach 2.5, strike targets at around 60–70 km, operate beyond 20 km altitude, and achieve a kill probability of nearly 90%, making it far more lethal than earlier variants. 
  • The canisterised Akash-NG missile is stored and launched from sealed containers, which ease transport and storage while enhancing shelf life and operational readiness. 
• Technological Advancements:  It features built-in electronic counter-counter measures (ECCM), which means it has onboard mechanisms that can counter electronic systems that deceive detection systems. 
  • It features an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and command-and-control systems, enabling precision strikes against low-RCS and high-manoeuvring targets. 
• Operational Capabilities: The missile can be launched from mobile platforms, engage multiple targets simultaneously, and counter threats at low altitude, near-boundary, and high-altitude long-range scenarios. 
• Strategic Significance: Akash was inducted into the IAF in 2014, and into the Indian Army the next year. Both the IAF and the Army currently operate multiple squadrons and groups of missiles, respectively. 
  • Akash-NG significantly enhances India’s layered air defence architecture, improves readiness against modern aerial threats, and strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat in critical missile technologies. 
  • In December 2020, India approved Akash missile exports after interest from several countries, including Armenia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Egypt, and Brazil, highlighting the global acceptance of India’s indigenous defence systems. 
    • The export version of Akash will be different from those in service with the Indian Armed Forces. 
• Difference from Earlier Akash: Compared to the original Akash, the NG version is lighter ( now 350 kg vs earlier 700 kg), has longer range (extended range up to 70 km (earlier ~30 km), replaces ramjet propulsion with a solid rocket motor, and offers improved mobility and survivability. 
  • The DRDO has also developed Akash Prime, an upgraded version of the Akash missile with the same range but equipped with an indigenous active RF seeker, significantly improving accuracy against aerial targets.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) 

• The IGMDP (1983-2012) was launched under the leadership of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam to achieve self-reliance in missile technology and led to the development of 5 missiles (P-A-T-N-A): 
  • Prithvi (short-range surface-to-surface), Akash (medium-range surface-to-air), Trishul (short-range surface-to-air), Nag (third-generation anti-tank missile), and Agni-I.  
  • The Prithvi series included Prithvi-I (150 km, now withdrawn), Prithvi-II (250–350 km, liquid-fuelled, nuclear-capable), and Prithvi-III (up to 750 km with lighter payload), with Dhanush as its naval variant.  
  • Trishul had a limited range of 12 km for point air defence, while Akash emerged as a key medium-range SAM with a 30 km intercept range.  
• Owing to its strategic importance, the Agni missile programme was later separated from IGMDP and expanded independently, marking a major milestone in India’s strategic deterrence capability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is Akash-NG? 
Akash-NG is a next-generation surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to intercept high-speed, high-manoeuvring, low-RCS aerial threats up to 70 km.

2. Why are User Evaluation Trials (UETs) important? 
Successful UETs confirm operational readiness under real conditions and clear the system for induction into the IAF.

3. How is Akash-NG different from the original Akash? 
Akash-NG is lighter (350 kg vs 700 kg), has a longer range, uses a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and offers better mobility and survivability

4. Who developed Akash-NG and who produces it? 
It was developed by DRDO and is produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

5. What is IGMDP, and why is it significant? 
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, led by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam laid the foundation for India’s indigenous missile systems like Prithvi, Akash, Nag, and Agni, enhancing strategic self-reliance.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q1. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (2018) 

(a) An Israeli radar system 
(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme 
(c) An American anti-missile system 
(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea. 

Ans: (c) 

Q2. With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014) 

1. It is a surface-to-surface missile. 
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. 
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (a)