DRDO successfully test fires next generation surface-to-air Akash missile

In a massive boost to India’s air defence system, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on January 25, successfully test-fired the next generation surface-to-air Akash Missile.

The Akash-NG missile could intercept high manoeuvring aerial threats and could “intercept the target with textbook precision” during the test fire, the DRDO said.

“DRDO conducted successful maiden launch of Akash-NG (New Generation) Missile from Integrated Test Range off the coast of Odisha today. Akash-NG is a new generation Surface-to-Air Missile meant for use by the IAF with an aim of intercepting high manoeuvring aerial threats,” a statement issued by the DRDO read.

“Missile intercepted the target with textbook precision. The launch met all test objectives by performing high manoeuvres during the trajectory. Performance of the Command-and-Control system, onboard avionics and aerodynamic configuration of the missile was successfully validated,” it read.