Key Facts & Data Points
- Maximum range: 70 km (up to 60–70 km operational)
- Speed: Mach 2.5
- Weight: 350 kg (≈ ½ of the original Akash’s 700 kg)
- Indigenous content: ~96 %
- Propulsion: Dual‑pulse solid‑rocket motor (replaces ram‑jet)
- Kill probability: ~90 %
- Altitude envelope: > 20 km, capable of low‑altitude and high‑altitude engagements
- Seeker: Indigenous RF seeker with built‑in ECCM
- Launch system: Canisterised, mobile platforms (sealed containers for easy transport & storage)
- Production agencies: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) & Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Background & Development Cycle
- DRDO’s three‑phase trial regime: Developmental trials → User‑assisted trials → User Evaluation Trials (UET).
- UET success: Confirms operational readiness; IAF issues Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for induction.
- IGMDP legacy: Initiated in 1983 under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, it birthed missiles like Prithvi, Akash, Trishul, Nag, and Agni.
- Akash‑NG vs. original Akash: Lighter, longer range, solid‑rocket motor, enhanced mobility, higher speed, and advanced seeker.
Strategic & Policy Significance
- Layered air‑defence: Enhances India’s capability to counter high‑speed, low‑RCS threats – drones, cruise missiles, maneuvering aircraft.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Demonstrates self‑reliance in critical missile technology; reduces dependence on imports.
- Export potential: India approved Akash exports (2020) to nations like Armenia, Philippines, Vietnam, Egypt, Brazil – export version will differ in seeker/range.
- National security: Strengthens IAF’s quick‑reaction air‑defence, vital for protecting strategic assets and borders.
Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions
- Defence Production Policy (2022): Emphasises indigenous production and ‘Make in India’ for defence equipment.
- Foreign Trade Policy: Allows export of indigenous defence systems with government clearance.
Comparison with Earlier Akash
| Parameter | Akash (2014) | Akash‑NG (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Range | ~30 km | 60–70 km |
| Weight | 700 kg | 350 kg |
| Propulsion | Ram‑jet | Dual‑pulse solid‑rocket |
| Seeker | Basic RF | Advanced RF with ECCM |
| Mobility | Fixed/limited | Fully mobile, canisterised |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Akash‑NG? A next‑generation SAM for intercepting high‑speed, low‑RCS aerial threats up to 70 km.
- Why are UETs crucial? They validate operational performance under realistic conditions and trigger induction.
- How does Akash‑NG differ from Akash? Lighter, longer range, solid‑rocket motor, improved seeker, higher kill probability.
- Who manufactures it? Developed by DRDO; produced by BDL and BEL.
- What is IGMDP? Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme that laid the foundation for India’s indigenous missile suite.
Prepared for UPSC Civil Services Examination – GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology) and GS Paper 2 (Security).