Akash (missile)

Indian surface-to-air missile series

"Akash-1S" redirects here. For the longer ranged pulsed rocket motor powered missile, see Akash-NG.

Akash

Latest variant, Akash Prime missile being fired from a mobile launcher

Type| Mobile Surface-to-air missile system
Place of origin| India
Service history
In service| 2009-present
Used by| Indian Army
Indian Air Force
Armenian Armed Forces
See Operators
Production history
Designer| Defence Research and Development Organisation
Manufacturer| Bharat Dynamics Limited
Unit cost| ₹2.5 crore (US$500K)
Produced| 2009–present
No. built| 15,500 missiles till 2025[1]
Variants|

* Akash 1S

* Akash Prime
* Akash-NG

Specifications
Mass| 720 kg (1,590 lb)
Length| 578 cm (228 in)
Diameter| 30 cm (12 in) – 35 cm (14 in)

* * *

Warhead| High-explosive, fragmentation
Warhead weight| 60 kg (130 lb)

Detonation
mechanism

| Radio proximity fuze

* * *

Engine| Solid booster with air-augmented rocket and ramjet sustainer motor
Propellant| Solid fuel

Operational
range

| 25 km (16 miles) – 30 km (19 miles)[2][3][4]
Flight ceiling| 20 km (66,000 ft)
Flight altitude| 18 km (59,000 ft)
Maximum speed | Mach 1.8 to 2.5[3]

Guidance
system

| Mid-course: Command guidance with datalink
Terminal: Active radar homing

Launch
platform

* T-72 or BMP-2 or BEML–Tatra chassis (Army)
* Tata LPTA 3138 8×8 Trucks (Air Force)[5]

Akash (lit. 'Sky') is a medium-range[6] mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Army and the Air Force variants of the missile system are produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).[7] Surveillance and fire control radar, Tactical Command and Control Center and missile launcher are developed by BEL, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Larsen & Toubro.[8][9] The Akash missile system can target aircraft up to 45 km (28 mi) away.[10] It has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.[6][11] It is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

An Akash battery comprises a single PESA 3D Rajendra radar and four launchers with three missiles each, all of which are interlinked. Each battery can track up to 64 targets and attack up to 12 of them. The missile has a 60 kg (130 lb) high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead with a proximity fuse. The Akash system is fully mobile and capable of protecting a moving convoy of vehicles. The launch platform has been integrated with both wheeled and tracked vehicles. While the Akash system has primarily been designed as an air defence SAM, it also has been tested in a missile defense role. The system provides air defence missile coverage for an area of 2,000 km2 (770 sq mi). The Indian military's combined orders of the Akash, including radar systems (WLR and Surveillance), have a total worth of ₹28,800 crore (equivalent to ₹400 billion or US$4.8 billion in 2023).[12][13][14] As per Ministry of Defence (MoD) Report 2018, existing order of Akash saved ₹34,500 crore (equivalent to ₹460 billion or US$5.5 billion in 2023) of foreign exchange for India on imports.[15]

## Description

[edit]

### System

[edit]

Akash missile destroying target

Each Akash battery consists of four self-propelled Launchers (three Akash SAMs each), a Battery Level Radar – the Rajendra, and a Command post (Battery Control Centre). Two batteries are deployed as a Squadron (Air Force), while up to four form an Akash Group/Regiment (Army configuration). In both configurations, an extra Group Control Centre (GCC) is added, which acts as the Command and Control HQ of the Squadron or Group. Based on a single mobile platform, GCC establishes links with Battery Control Centres and conducts air defense operations in coordination with air defense set up in a zone of operations. For early warning, the GCC relies on the Central Acquisition Radar. However, individual batteries can also be deployed with the cheaper, 2-D BSR (Battery Surveillance Radar) with a range of over 100 km.

Akash has an advanced automated functioning capability. The 3D CAR automatically starts tracking targets at a distance of around 150 km providing early warning to the system and operators. The target track information is transferred to GCC. GCC automatically classifies the target. BSR starts tracking targets around a range of 100 km. This data is transferred to GCC. The GCC performs multi-radar tracking of up to 200 targets and carries out track correlation & data fusion. Target position information is sent to the BLR which uses this information to acquire the targets.

The BCC which can engage a target(s) from the selected list at the earliest point of time is assigned the target in real time by the GCC. The availability of missiles and the health of the missiles are also taken into consideration during this process. Fresh targets are assigned as and when intercepts with assigned targets are completed. A single shot kill probability of 88% has been achieved by the system taking into consideration various parametres of the sensors, guidance command, missile capabilities and kill zone computations.

There are a number of possibilities for deploying Akash weapon system in autonomous mode and in group mode for neutralizing the threat profiles with defined multi-target engagement scenarios. In the Group mode we can have number of configurations to defend vulnerable areas depending upon nature and expected threat pattern, characteristics of threat. Similarly, multiple batteries in autonomous mode can be deployed to defend vulnerable areas/points. In a Group formation, the four Batteries can be deployed in various geometric formations, as suited to the vulnerable area being protected and the extent desired to be sanitized from enemy air threat. In a box deployment pattern, an Akash group can defend an area of 62 km x 62 km. In a linear array configuration, it covers an area of 98 km x 44 km. Trapezoidal configuration gives defense to the largest area as compared to any other pattern of deployment covering an area of size 5,000 square km.[16]

Each Akash battery can engage up to four targets simultaneously with 24 ready to fire missiles. Each battery has four launchers with three missiles, while each Rajendra able to guide eight missiles in total, with a maximum of two missiles per target. Up to a maximum of four targets can be engaged simultaneously by a typical battery with a single Rajendra if one (or two) missile is allotted per target. A single Akash missile has an 88% probability of kill. Two missiles can be fired, five seconds apart, to raise the probability of Kill to 98.5%. Communications between the various vehicles are a combination of wireless and wired links. The entire system is designed to be set up quickly and to be highly mobile for high survivability. The Akash system can be deployed by rail, road or air.

### Missile

[edit]

Akash missile test fired for very low altitude near boundary mission on 18 June 2014.

Akash is a surface-to-air missile with an intercept range of 25 km.[3] It has a launch weight of 720 kg, a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.78 meters. Akash flies at supersonic speed, reaching around Mach 2.5. It can reach an altitude of 20 km and can be fired from both tracked and wheeled platforms.[3] An on-board guidance system coupled with an actuator system makes the missile maneuverable up to 15g loads and a tail chase capability for end game engagement. A digital proximity fuse is coupled with a 55 kg pre-fragmented warhead, while the safety arming and detonation mechanism enables a controlled detonation sequence. A self-destruct device is also integrated. It is propelled by an Integrated Ramjet Rocket Engine. The use of a ramjet propulsion system enables sustained speeds without deceleration throughout its flight.[17] The Missile has command guidance in its entire flight.[18]

The design of the missile is somewhat similar to that of the 2K12 Kub with four long tube ramjet inlet ducts mounted mid-body between wings. For pitch/yaw control four clipped triangular moving wings are mounted on the mid-body. For roll control four inline clipped delta fins with ailerons are mounted before the tail. However, the internal schematic shows a different layout with an onboard digital computer, absence of semi-active seeker, different propellant, different actuators and command guidance with datalinks. The Akash carries an onboard radio-proximity fuse.

Composite technology for Akash includes radome assemblies, booster liners, ablative liners, sustainer liners, compression molded wings and fins.[19] The aerodynamic characterization research was conducted at the National Aerospace Laboratories' 1.2m Trisonic Wind Tunnel Facility.[20]

### Propulsion

[edit]

The Akash, like the Russian 2K12 Kub (SA-6 Gainful), utilizes an integrated ramjet-rocket propulsion system, which, after initial rocket motor burnout, provides sustained thrust for the missile throughout its flight until interception.[21]

### Radars

[edit]

Main article: Rajendra Radar

Rajendra Radar during Republic Day, 2019

The missile is guided by a phased array fire control radar called 'Rajendra' which is termed as Battery Level Radar (BLR) with a tracking range of about 60 km.[22] The tracking and missile guidance radar configuration consists of a slewable phased array antenna of more than 4,000 elements, spectrally pure TWT transmitter, two stage superheterodyne correlation receiver for three channels, high speed digital signal processor, real time management computer and a powerful radar data processor.[23] It can track 64 targets in range, azimuth and height and guide eight missiles simultaneously in ripple fire mode towards four targets. The radar has advanced ECCM features. The Rajendra derivative on a BMP-2 chassis and to be used by the Indian Air Force is known as the Battery Level Radar-II whereas that for the Army, is based on a T-72 chassis and is known as the Battery Level Radar-III.

The Army version also consists of the Battery Surveillance Radar (BSR). BSR is a track vehicle based, long range sensor, interfaced with the BCC. It can detect and track up to 40 targets in range and azimuth up to a range of 100 km.[24]

Long range target acquisition is performed by the 3D Central Acquisition Radar (3D CAR), which is a long range surveillance radar that can track up to 200 targets in Track while Scan mode (detecting, tracking and processing) in three dimensions at a range of 180 km. It provides azimuth, range and height coordinates of targets to the Group Control Centre (GCC) through secure communication links. The data is used to cue the weapon control radar.[23][25]

### Platforms

[edit]

Akash Missiles on a BMP-2 chassis.

The Army's radar and launchers are based on the T-72 chassis built by the Ordnance Factories Board's Ordnance Factory Medak to accompany the Army's fast moving armoured formations.[26] The Air Force versions use a combination of tracked and wheeled vehicle. The Air Force Akash launcher consists of a detachable trailer which is towed by a Tata truck, which can be positioned autonomously. The Air Force launcher is designed by Larsen & Toubro jointly with DRDO.[27] Both the Army and Air Force launchers have three ready-to-fire Akash missiles each. The launchers can slew in both elevation and azimuth. The Army Self-Propelled Launcher (ASPL) is 360 degrees slewable and its arc in elevation is from 6 to 60 degrees. The Akash Air Force Launcher (AAFL) is 360 degree slewable, in elevation it can fire from 8 to 55 degrees in all directions depending on the mode of deployment.[28] Akash Air force launcher features an All electro servo drive system for fully automated and remote operation.[19] To enable the Akash group to perform self-sufficient in the combat zone, a number of supporting specialist vehicles have been designed and developed. They are mobile and field-worthy. Their design is based on the role and task to be performed and the vehicles are accordingly allocated to the Group HQ, the Batteries, Assembly Line Area and the Field maintenance workshop. Some of the vehicles are: the Missile Transportation Vehicle (MTV), the Transportation and Loading Vehicle (TLV), the Mobile Station for Missile Checkout (MSMC) Vehicle, the Air Compressor Vehicle (ACV), the Power Supply vehicles (GPSV, BPSV), the Engineering Support, Maintenance and Repair vehicles (GEM, BEM) and a few others. These specialist vehicles assemble and prepare missiles, deliver them to Batteries, carry maintenance spares and fuel, and provide logistical engineering support. Their allocation provides for flexibility and self-sufficiency to the whole Akash Group.[29]

## Development and history

[edit]

### Mark-I

[edit]

The first test flight of Akash missile was conducted in 1990, with development flights up to March 1997.

Two Akash missiles intercepted two fast moving targets in simultaneous engagement mode in 2005. 3-D Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR) group mode performance is also fully established.[30][31]

The Akash Missile Development cost of ₹1,000 crore (€150 million; $200 million), including the project sanction of ₹600 crore (€90 million; $120 million), is 8-10 times lower than the cost of similar system developments in other countries. Akash has certain unique characteristics like mobility, all-the-way-powered flight till target interception, multiple target handling, digitally-coded command guidance and fully automatic operation.[12]

For the first time, Akash showed in Exercise Astrashakti 2023 that it could engage four targets at once under command guidance with a single fire unit at a maximum range of about 30 km. The targets were divided to attack defense assets from various angles and were approaching from the same direction in a close formation.[32]

#### Akash-1S

[edit]

Akash-1S missile test on 27 May 2019

There was demand from Indian Armed Forces for a missile with a seeker that can target inbound targets more accurately for which the DRDO offered an upgraded Akash with an indigenous seeker named Akash-1S. DRDO tested Akash-1S on 25 May and 27 May 2019 with a strike range of 30 km that has the capability to carry warhead of 60 kg from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha with the overall performance of indigenous seeker and guidance system consistently established during the period. Akash-1S was fired five times against multiple targets and successfully completed the trials.[33] It supports the combination of both command and active terminal seeker guidance to enhance the single shot kill probability[34] and is capable of striking down fighter jets and drones at a distance of around 18 to 30 km that can be fired from both tracked and wheeled platforms for greater mobility.[35]

##### Akash Prime

[edit]

Akash-Prime SAM

On 27 September 2021, DRDO test fired a new version of missile called Akash Prime. It intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking enemy aircraft, in its maiden flight. Akash Prime is based on the existing Akash SAM. The missile is equipped with an improved active Ku, X band monopulse radio-frequency (RF) seeker developed by Research Center Imarat to further increase the accuracy. Akash Prime is also optimized for low temperature and high altitude operations with modified ground system.[36][37] The improved RF seeker has 360° engagement capability. Akash Prime consists of a long-range surveillance radar, a target and missile tracking radar, a troop control centre, and the launchers.[38]

### Akash-NG

[edit]

Main article: Akash-NG

A successor missile with a new design Akash – New generation abbreviated as Akash-NG was approved in September 2016 with a funding of ₹470 crore (equivalent to ₹676 crore or US$80 million in 2023) to succeed Akash and Akash-1S with improved capabilities.[39] 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 instead of air-breathing solid ramjet engine to increase the overall range from current 25–30 km to 70–80 km, an active electronically scanned array Multi-Function Radar (MFR) and optical proximity fuze.[40][41]

## Trials

[edit]

* Between 14 and 21 December 2007, the Indian Air Force completed user trials for this missile. The trials were declared successful after the missile hit the target on five occasions. Multiple target handling capability of Akash weapon system was demonstrated by live firing in C4I environment. The last trial was conducted at 2:15 pm IST on 21 December. Before the ten-day trial at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha, ECCM Evaluation tests were carried out at Gwalior Air Force Station and mobility trials were carried out in Pokhran. The IAF had evolved the user Trial Directive to verify the Akash's consistency. The trials included firing missiles against multiple targets which included low-flying near-range target, long-range high-altitude target, crossing and approaching target and ripple firing of two missiles from the same launcher against a low-altitude receding target.[42]
* From 24 May to 6 June 2012, the Air Force version of the Akash missile, with a strike range of 25 km and 60 kg warhead, was tested five times from the Launch Complex-III (LC-3) of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off the Odisha coast. These were user specific trials and a part of the routine air defence exercises of India. On 24 May 2012, India successfully test fired Akash missile to revalidate technology and operational efficacy. The target was a floating object towed by a Pilotless Target Aircraft.[43] On 26 and 28 May, the missile were test fired again in a similar way.[44][45] Two of the missile tests in May failed as the missile did not take-off as they were scheduled for successive launches.[46] On 1 June, two Air Force variant missiles were fired back-to-back from the ITR.[47] On 6 June at 07:57 am IST, two of the Air Force version of the missile from the LC-III of the ITR. This was the fifth trial of the missile system variant since 24 May 2012.[48][49][50]
* On 21 and 24 February 2014, the Indian Army successfully tested the Akash missiles from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. The tests were a part of pre-induction trials by the Army. On 21 February, the missile hit an approaching target towed by PTA Lakshya. On 24 February, the missile hit a receding target at a distance of 19 km. The missiles were part of the first of Production Model system being producedto equip the 2 regiments on order for the Army.[51][52]
* From 23 April to 2 May 2014, the Indian Air Force tested the Akash system from LC-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur on four days. On 23 April, the Akash missiles failed to intercept the target from the Pilotless Target Aircraft. The PTA was launched from Launch Complex-II (LC-2) of the ITR at around 2:30 pm IST. The missile is designed to pass through the "missed-distance proximity" (MDP) causing "auto-detonation" of the proximity fuse. However, the missile missed the MDP.[46] On 26 April, Indian Air Force successfully tested 2 Akash missiles taken from the production lot against an incoming and a receding target both towed by PTA Lakshya. All the assets including missiles, launchers, radar, command centres and the drone was being controlled by Air Force personnel. The test was conducted from the ITR Complex.[53] On 29 April, Two more trials were expected to be conducted.[54] However, the PTA failed to take off resulting in the postponement of the tests. On 1 May, PTA Lakshya was launched from LC-2 of the ITR. The missile which was expected to intercept the target after 15 minutes, failed to take off from LC-3. The problem was speculated as perennial technical problem of the missile. This was the missile's second failure in the recent seven-test series by the IAF.[55] On 2 May, the same tests were carried out where the missile hit para-barrel targets successfully. The test was conducted from LC-3 at 2:28 pm IST.[56]
* On 3 August 2014, Akash missile test-fired from LC-3 of the ITR at Chandipur off the Odisha coast. The test was described as "fully successful" by the Director of ITR.[57]
* In November 2014, training user trials of the Akash surface-to-air supersonic missiles were completed successfully on Friday. The trials were conducted for 5 consecutive days. All mission parameters, as set by the Indian Air Force (IAF) team, were validated.[58]
* On 11 to 13 April 2015, Indian Army successfully conducted six rounds of user trials of the missile. The tests were conducted from complex 3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. The missiles targeted pilot less target aircraft (PTA) Lakshya, unmanned air vehicle (UAV) 'Banshee' and a para barrel target, two times each.[59][60][61][62][63]
* On 28 January 2016, the missile was successfully test fired from Launch Complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. As part of a user trial from the ITR, three rounds of test were carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel aiming at para-barrel target between 11 pm and 2 pm IST. Tests were aimed at gauging the flight consistency and effectiveness of the missile, besides ascertaining the serviceability of the system in various conditions.[64][65][66]
* On 8 March 2016, Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated the missile at the exercise Iron Fist 2016.[67][68]
* On 28 and 29 November 2017, the Indian Air Force carried out 3 tests of the missile from Launch Complex 3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) against electronic targets.[69][70]
* On 30 November 2017, Indian Army successfully tested fired five Akash missiles at Integrated Test Range (ITR) against multiple targets.[71]
* On 5 December 2017, another test with an indigenous radio frequency seeker was successfully carried out by the Army against a Banshee aerial drone.[72][73]
* On 3 December 2020, the Indian Air Force carried out 10 missile firing at Suryalanka to bolster its capability among ongoing Indo-Sino border tension. The missiles were fired to validate different scenario and majority of the missiles scored a direct kill further establishing the efficacy of Akash missile.[74]
* On 17 December 2023, during an exercise Astraskati the Indian Air Force fired 4 missile simultaneously from 2 Akash launcher of a single firing unit neutralizing 4 UAV's simultaneously using command guidance. All target were detected and shot down at the maximum range of 30 km. This marks the Akash system as the first system in the world to successfully track and destroy 4 target using a single firing unit in command guidance. These tests were conducted from the new units ordered by Indian Air Force.[75][76]
* On 31 March 2024, another test of Akash missiles were carried out successfully by Army's Western Command's 128 AD Missile Regiment.[77][78]

## Status

[edit]

Each missile is expected to have starting costs below US$500,000 i.e. under ₹2 crore[79] which is less than half the cost of similar Western missiles which usually cost between US$1.2-1.5 million (₹5-6 crore) each.[80] It is expected that this cost will further decrease because of the economies of scale achieved as production ramps up.[79] The Indian military (IAF & IA) have a combined order worth ₹23,300 crore ($5.18 billion).[81] As of 3 August 2014, the Air Force version has already been inducted while the Army version is in the final stage of its trial.[57] The Army version was inducted on 5 May 2015, as was tweeted by MoD Spokesman.[82][83] On 16 March 2016, Director of Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), said that India is looking to double missile production to 100 per month, up from 50 to 60.[84][85]

A Comptroller and Auditor General report released in 2017 stated that because of a lack of adequate storage facilities, the life span of the missiles may be affected. In addition, there was a 30% failure rate during testing of missiles in inventory with 6 out of 20 missiles failing to hit their targets.[86][87][88]

### Indian Air Force

[edit]

The Indian Air Force was satisfied with the performance of Akash after extensive flight trials and has decided to induct the weapon system. An order for two squadrons were placed initially, with these being inducted in 2009. The IAF found the missile performance to be satisfactory and was expected to place orders for 16 more launchers to form two more squadrons for India's northeast theater.[26][80][89]

In May 2008, the Indian Air Force decided to induct two squadrons (totaling 4 batteries) of Akash missile.[90][43]

In March 2009, Tata Power's Strategic Engineering Division (Tata Power SED) announced that it had secured the ₹182 crore (equivalent to ₹458 crore or US$54 million in 2023) order for 16 Akash launchers to be delivered in the next 33 months.[91]

In January 2010, it was revealed that the Indian Air Force had ordered for 6 more squadrons. Each squadron will consist of 125 missiles, bringing the order to 750 missiles for 6 squadrons.[92] The first two squadrons will consist of 48 missiles each[93] while future squadrons will vary in number depending on the IAF. The additional missiles were ordered from state-run defence behemoth Bharat Electronics, who will act as the system integrator, at a cost of ₹4,279 crore (equivalent to ₹96 billion or US$1.1 billion in 2023).[94]

In February 2010, the Indian Air Force accepted the Akash missile system as a substantial part of its arsenal.[95]

IAF orders may also rise as it phases out its Pechoras and if the Indo-Israeli JV to develop a MRSAM (Medium Range SAM) for the IAF continues to be put on hold, while a similar program for the Indian Navy proceeds unimpeded.[96][97]

Night launch of Akash missile in Vayu Shakti Exercise 2019.

On 3 March 2012, the missile was officially inducted into Indian Air Force with a ceremony at Hyderabad.[98]

On 10 July 2015, the Akash surface-to-air missile was formally inducted in the Indian Air Force at Gwalior.[99][100]

On 1 September 2015, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the purchase of seven additional squadrons of the Akash missile for the Indian Air Force.[101][102] On 12 September 2019, it was reported that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared the procurement in late August.[7] Later, a contract worth ₹5,400 crore (equivalent to ₹67 billion or US$790 million in 2023) for the deal was signed with Bharat Electronics the same month. The order placed was for Akash Prime missile squadrons.[103]

### Indian Army

[edit]

Akash missiles during Republic Day 2017 parade

In June 2010, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared an order of the Akash missile system, valued at ₹12,500 crore (equivalent to ₹280 billion or US$3.3 billion in 2023). Bharat Dynamics (BDL) will be the system integrator and nodal production agency for the Akash Army variant.[12] The Army plans to induct two regiments of the missile.[104]

In March 2011, a report indicates that the Indian Army has ordered 2 Akash regiments – approximately 2,000 missiles – worth ₹14,180 crore (equivalent to ₹290 billion or US$3.5 billion in 2023).[105] These will replace the Indian Army's 2 SA-6 Groups (25 systems with 1,500 missiles each), which were inducted between 1977 and 1979.[106]

On 5 May 2015, Akash Missile was inducted into the Indian Army.[107][108] The Army is scheduled to get two Akash regiments by 2017.[109][110]

On 30 March 2016, Indian Army stated that Akash area defence missile systems did not meet its operational requirements for defending its strike corps against enemy air attacks in forward areas, and was not ordering any more regiments. The Army instead was opting for four Israeli quick reaction SAM regiments.[111][112]

In March 2017, it was reported that the procurement of two regiments of SR-SAM under a global tender has been dropped by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in favour of an advanced variant of Akash Weapon System.[113]

In May 2022, it was reported that the Indian Army is going to receive 2 regiments of Akash Prime systems. On 30 March 2023, the MoD signed contracts for procurement of 2 Regiments of improved Akash Weapon System with BDL at a cost over ₹8,160 crore (US$970 million).[114]

## Operational history

[edit]

Since 2013, the IAF has deployed 8 Akash-1 squadrons. Six of them were deployed along Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Northeast India Region (including Air Force Stations at Hasimara, Jorhat, Tezpur), one at Maharajpur Air Force Station (Gwalior) and another at Lohegaon Air Force Station (Pune).[103][115][116]

By 22 December 2023, the IAF has inducted three of the Akash Prime squadrons which employs the Rajendra Mk-II radars with additional squadrons to be indicted before year-end.[117]

The Indian Army has deployed one Akash Regiment in June–July 2015, with the second one to be ready by end of 2016.[118]

Indian Army deployed Akash air defence system along Line of Actual Control in Ladakh as tension rose between India and China 2020 China–India skirmishes.[119]

On May 7 2025 , an Akash missile shot down a Pakistan Air Force CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder while it tried to engage IAF jets in Kashmir region .[120]

## Export

[edit]

On 30 December 2020, Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister cleared the exports of Akash missile defence system.[121]

### Sudan

[edit]

In 2022, Akash SAM was seen in a Sudanese Military Exhibition which showcased weapon systems operated by the Sudanese Armed Forces. In 2023, the Indian MoD also mentioned Akash in the list of multiple exported items, sparking speculations of the system's maiden export to Sudan.[122][123]

### Armenia

[edit]

Armenia signed a deal, worth ₹6,000 crore (equivalent to ₹64 billion or US$750 million in 2023), with Bharat Dynamics Limited in 2022 for the supply of unknown numbers of Akash Weapon System and 15 Ashwin Air Defence Systems. The entire Air Defence Systems will be deployed within 4 to 5 years.[124][125][126]

As of November 2023, the delivery of the Akash 1S system was expeceted to take begin from Q2 2024[127][128] but was later shifted to 2024-end by August 2024.[129]

The first Akash battery (Armenian variant) was finally delivered on 12 November 2024. A battery included 4 launchers and a Rajendra radar.[130][131]

### Potential users

[edit]

#### Philippines

[edit]

As reported in March 2023, the Akash Weapon System was on offer for the Philippine Navy (operated through the Philippine Marine Corps) under their planned Shore-Based Air Defense Missile System Acquisition Project.[132][133]

The Philippine government is expected to place an order for Akash SAM worth $200 million in 2025.[134][135]

#### United Arab Emirates

[edit]

In October 2018, a report suggested that the United Arab Emirates had shown interest in the missile system.[136]

Further, in April 2025, India officially offered the Akash missile system to UAE Armed Forces.[137]

#### Others

[edit]

It was also reported in the media that Belarus, Malaysia,[138] Thailand and Vietnam[139] have shown interest in purchasing the Akash missile system.[140][132]

As per reports in December 2023, Brazil and Egypt has also shown interest as per defence official.[141][142] In April 2025, talks with Brazilian officials to get the Akash are still ongoing.[143]

## Operators

[edit]

Map of Akash operators in blue

India

* Indian Air Force – 8 Akash Mk1 and 3 Akash Prime Squadrons in service (8 launchers per squadron)[103][117] 4 more Akash Prime squadrons being inducted.[102][144]
* Indian Army – 2 Akash Mk1 regiments in service (24 launchers per regiment). 2 Akash Prime regiments on order.[145]
* 128 AD Missile Regiment
* 27 AD Missile Regiment (Amritsar Airfield)

Armenia

* Armenian Armed Forces – 1 battery (4 launchers) delivered as of November 2024. Unknown numbers on order.[130]

Sudan

* Sudanese Armed Forces (Speculated)[146][147]

## See also

[edit]

* India portal
* Rocketry portal

* Trishul - (India)
* Maitri - (India)
* Project Kusha - (India)
* Barak 8 - (India, Israel)
* Akash-NG - (India)
* VL-SRSAM - (India)
* Advanced Air Defence - (India) (AAD)
* Prithvi Air Defence - (India) (PAD)
* QRSAM - (India)

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Indian Army Orders Akash SAM". Aviation Week. 25 March 2011. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
2. ^ PHILIP, SNEHESH ALEX (30 December 2020). "Govt approves export of indigenous Akash SAM as UAE, Vietnam among others show interest". The Print. New Delhi. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
3. ^ a b c d Kumar, Rishi (1 April 2021). "Bharat Dynamics flags off Akash Missiles for delivery to Indian Army". Business Line. Hyderabad. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
4. ^ "Exercise Astrashakti: Indian Akash air defence missile system destroys 4 targets simultaneously". The Hindu. ANI. 17 December 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
5. ^ "BEL Akash Missile System". Retrieved 12 May 2020.
6. ^ a b "India Successfully Test Fires Medium-Range Akash Missile". NDTV. Archived from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
7. ^ a b "IAF to get 7 more Akash missile squadrons". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
8. ^ "Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) System". Airforce Technology. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
9. ^ Journal of Electronic Defense Staff (2004). "Guided Threat Systems". International Electronic Countermeasures Handbook. Artech House. p. 115\. ISBN 978-1-58053-898-5.
10. ^ Akash missile successfully test fired for second day, Dated:18 November 2014 Archived 6 July 2015 at the Wayback Machine
11. ^ "Nuclear-capable Akash missile test fired". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2012. Nuclear-capable Akash missile test fired
12. ^ a b c Akash Missile System For Indian Army OK'd Archived 27 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine
13. ^ Akash Missile Users Give Feedback To DRDO | AVIATION WEEK Archived 27 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine
14. ^ "More Akash systems for Army – NATIONAL – the Hindu". aviationweek.com. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017.
15. ^ Kulkarni, Sushant (28 September 2021). "Explained: What are the two advanced versions of Akash missile?". The Indian Express. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
16. ^ Akash Operational Scenarios Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
17. ^ The Hindu Archived 4 November 2012 at the Wayback Machine article dated 11 December 2005, accessed 18 October 2006.
18. ^ AKASH AIR DEFENSE WEAPON SYSTEM[usurped]
19. ^ a b "IAF initiates process for inducting Akash and Trishul SAM's". Frontier India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
20. ^ "Bengaluru: 1.2m trisonic wind tunnel at National Aerospace Laboratories completes 55 years of service". ANI. 6 June 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
21. ^ "Akash Missiles: All about India's first home-made supersonic missile". The Economic Times. 15 February 2021. ISSN 0013-0389. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
22. ^ Global Security.Org Archived 17 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine article accessed 18 October 2006.
23. ^ a b About Akash Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
24. ^ Akash Radars Archived 21 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
25. ^ "Aero India 2003 – Part 6". Archived from the original on 10 October 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
26. ^ a b Shukla, Ajai (7 November 2009). "Army warms up to Akash missile". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
27. ^ "Missile Launchers | Heavy Engineering | L&T India". Archived from the original on 25 June 2018.
28. ^ Akash Launchers Archived 21 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
29. ^ Akash Support Vehicles Archived 21 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
30. ^ "IAF initiates process for inducting Akash and Trishul SAM's". Frontier India. Archived from the original on 25 March 2010. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
31. ^ "Defense19". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
32. ^ "Exercise Astrashakti: Indian Akash air defence missile system destroys 4 targets simultaneously". The Hindu. 17 December 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
33. ^ "DRDO Successfully Test Fires Akash-1S Surface to Air Defence Missile". India.com. 27 May 2019. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
34. ^ "DRDO successfully test fires AKASH MK-1S missile". Jagranjosh.com. 28 May 2019. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
35. ^ "DRDO successfully tests AKASH MK-1S: 6 features that make it a potent missile". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
36. ^ Negi, Manjeet (27 September 2021). "Akash Prime, new version of Akash missile, successfully destroys unmanned aerial target during flight test". India Today. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
37. ^ Thakur, Vijainder K. (3 April 2023). "India's World-Beating Akash And Very Short-Range Air Defense Missiles Are Owner's Pride, Other's Envy". EURASIAN TIMES. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
38. ^ Kajal, Kapil (21 June 2023). "BEL receives order for Akash Prime weapons". Janes.com. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
39. ^ "DRDO Projects". Ministry of Defence. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2019 - via Press Information Bureau.
40. ^ SV, Vikas (4 December 2018). "Next generation Akash-NG to add new diamension to India's air defence capabilities". oneindia. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
41. ^ Kumar Rout, Hemant (25 January 2021). "Next-generation surface-to-air Akash missile successfully test-fired". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
42. ^ DRDO report on Akash Archived 9 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine
43. ^ a b "Surface-to-air Akash missile test fired successfully". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
44. ^ "Surface-to-air Akash missile test fired". Business Standard. 26 May 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
45. ^ "Akash missile test-fired for the second time". The New Indian Express. 2 June 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
46. ^ a b Rout, Hemant Kumar (24 April 2014). "Akash Missile Fails to Destroy PTA Target". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
47. ^ "Defence News – India Test-Fires Air Force Version of Akash". 1 June 2024. Archived from the original on 14 August 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
48. ^ "Air Force version of 'Akash' missile successfully test-fired". The Times of India. 6 June 2012. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
49. ^ "Air Force version of 'Akash' missile successfully test-fired". The Hindu. 6 June 2012. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017.
50. ^ "Akash missile's Air Force version successfully test-fired". The Hindu. 6 June 2012. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
51. ^ "Successful Trials of Akash Surface to Air Missile System". Press Information Bureau. 24 February 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
52. ^ "Akash missile test-fired, on target again". The Hindu. 24 February 2014. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
53. ^ "Two Akash missiles tested". The Hindu. 26 April 2014. Archived from the original on 27 April 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
54. ^ Rout, Hemant Kumar (29 April 2014). "2 More User Trials of Akash by IAF Today". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
55. ^ Rout, Hemant Kumar (1 May 2014). "Successive Failure of 'Akash' Trial". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
56. ^ "Akash missile successfully test fired for second day in a row". The Times of India. 2 May 2014. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
57. ^ a b "Successful surface-to-air 'Akash' missile trial for second day". 13 August 2014. Archived from the original on 13 August 2014.
58. ^ "Akash Missile Completes Training User Trials". The New Indian Express. 22 November 2014. Archived from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
59. ^ "User Trial of Akash Missile System By Indian Army Successful". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 15 April 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
60. ^ "Akash missile test fired for second consecutive day | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". dna. 12 April 2016. Archived from the original on 16 April 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
61. ^ "Surface-to-air Akash missile successfully test fired in Odisha". OdishaSunTimes.com. Archived from the original on 23 April 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
62. ^ "Akash Missile System Successfully Demonstrates Killing Efficiency". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 16 April 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
63. ^ "Akash missile test fired successfully for third consecutive". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 13 April 2016. Archived from the original on 19 April 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
64. ^ "Akash missile successfully test fired in Chandipuri, Odisha: Interesting facts : Current Affairs". indiatoday.intoday.in. Archived from the original on 31 January 2016. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
65. ^ "India test fires Akash missiles". The Hindu. 28 January 2016. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
66. ^ "India test fires Akash missiles". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
67. ^ "Iron Fist 2016: Indian Air Force's greatest show of air power | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". dna. 19 March 2016. Archived from the original on 20 March 2016. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
68. ^ "IAF showcases indigenous fighter plane 'Tejas' in Iron Fist Exercise". NewsX. Archived from the original on 20 March 2016. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
69. ^ "Supersonic Akash missile test fired against electronic target". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
70. ^ "Two rounds of Surface-to-Air Missile Akash successfully test fired". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
71. ^ "Army carries out five successful tests of Akash missiles". Archived from the original on 3 December 2017. Retrieved 9 December 2017.
72. ^ "India successfully test-fires Akash missile with home-made radio frequency seeker". Deccan Chronicle. 6 December 2017. Archived from the original on 9 December 2017. Retrieved 9 December 2017.
73. ^ "Successful Launch of Akash Missile". pib.nic.in. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
74. ^ Ajit K Dubey (4 December 2020). "Amid China border conflict, IAF testfires 10 Akash missiles to 'shoot down' enemy fighters". ANI. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
75. ^ "India's Akash Missile System achieves unprecedented success in Astrashakti Military Exercise". Financial Times. London. 17 December 2023.
76. ^ Negi, Manjeet (17 December 2023). "Akash missile system destroys 4 targets simultaneously during Air Force exercise". India Today.
77. ^ "MSN". msn.com. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
78. ^ "Indian Army test-fires BrahMos, Akash missiles". Janes.com. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
79. ^ a b "DR Prahlada". Archived from the original on 18 April 2008. Retrieved 25 September 2008.
80. ^ a b "National : Akash missile achieves a milestone". The Hindu. 11 December 2005. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
81. ^ "Bharat Dynamics Limited Signs Largest Ever Deal With Army for Akash Missiles". Archived from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
82. ^ "Surface-to-air short range Akash missile system to be inducted into Indian Army today". 5 May 2015. Archived from the original on 8 May 2015.
83. ^ "Akash missile system handed over to Indian Army today". 5 May 2015. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017.
84. ^ "India looks to double missile production to 100 per month". moneycontrol.com. Archived from the original on 22 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
85. ^ "India To Double Akash Missile Production To 100 Per Month". defenseworld.net. Archived from the original on 19 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
86. ^ "Akash missiles, aimed at downing Chinese fighter jets in northeast, not installed: CAG". Archived from the original on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
87. ^ "'Made-in-India' Akash Missile, worth Rs 3,600 crore, fails test". Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
88. ^ "Akash missile reported 30% failure rate, says CAG". 28 July 2017. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
89. ^ "IAF Slams Chinese Protest to PM's Arunachal Visit". Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
90. ^ "IAF inducts the Akash missile". Thaindian News. Archived from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
91. ^ "Tata Power unit bags defence order". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 31 March 2009. Archived from the original on 3 April 2009.
92. ^ IAF orders another 750 Akash surface-to-air missiles Archived 13 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine
93. ^ IAF To Get Akash Missiles This Year Archived 27 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine
94. ^ "IAF orders another 750 Akash SAMs". Thaindian News. Archived from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
95. ^ Reporter, B. S. (3 February 2010). "Missile boost for BEL". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
96. ^ Barak-MRSAM for IAF put on hold Archived 6 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
97. ^ Missile mission meets target Archived 11 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine
98. ^ Subramanian, T. S. (2 March 2012). "Torpedo, Akash missile to be handed over to Navy and IAF on Saturday". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017.
99. ^ "IAF gets Akash missile shield". Jammu Kashmir Latest News | Tourism | Breaking News J&K. Archived from the original on 27 December 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
100. ^ "Ingeniously-built Aakash missile inducted in IAF : India, News – India Today". indiatoday.intoday.in. Archived from the original on 27 October 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
101. ^ "DAC clears projects worth over Rs. 13,000 cr". The Hindu. 2 September 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
102. ^ a b "Govt clears defence projects worth Rs 15,000 crore – Times of India". The Times of India. September 2015. Archived from the original on 2 December 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
103. ^ a b c "Rs 5400 crore deal inked for 7 more squadrons of Akash missiles for IAF". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
104. ^ Press Trust of India (2 December 2010). "India eyes producing more Akash missiles, BEL expects windfall". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
105. ^ Indian Army Orders Akash Missile System Archived 27 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine
106. ^ "SIPRI Arms Transfers Database". Archived from the original on 16 December 2014. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
107. ^ "Akash Missile Supersonic System inducted by Indian Army". Defence Wire. 5 May 2015. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
108. ^ "Boost to Army's air power; to get medium range missile by 2020 – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
109. ^ ANI (5 May 2015). "'Akash' air missile inducted into Indian Army arsenal". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
110. ^ "Surface-to-air missile Akash to be inducted into Indian Army today". intoday.in. Archived from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
111. ^ "Enough of Akash, says Army as it opts for Israeli missiles – Times of India". The Times of India. 30 March 2016. Archived from the original on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
112. ^ "India's Missile Program in Peril as Army Dumps Rs 1,000 Cr Akash Missiles | Indian Defence News". indiandefensenews.in. Archived from the original on 20 August 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
113. ^ "More Akash systems for Army". The Hindu. 29 May 2017. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
114. ^ "Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 9,100 crore contracts for improved Akash Weapon System & 12 Weapon Locating Radars Swathi (Plains) for Indian Army". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
115. ^ "Akash Air Defence System to be Formally Inducted into IAF". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 30 October 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
116. ^ "Surface-to-air missile 'Akash' inducted in IAF – Times of India". The Times of India. 10 July 2015. Archived from the original on 13 July 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
117. ^ a b "MINISTRY OF DEFENCE – YEAR END REVIEW 2023". Ministry of Defence (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 22 December 2023. Archived from the original on 28 December 2023.
118. ^ "Indian Army gets muscle with Akash missile system – Rediff.com India News". rediff.com. Archived from the original on 7 January 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
119. ^ "India deploys Akash missiles at Ladakh LAC to tackle Chinese threat", Manish Prasad, 27 June 2020, retrieved 27 June 2020
120. ^ "India shoots down Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jet in Pulwama's Pampore", Mohit Pandey, 7 May 2025, retrieved 7 May 2025
121. ^ Singh, Mayank (30 December 2020). "Government approves export of indigenously developed missile Akash". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
122. ^ "Aatmanirbharta on the rise: Defence exports reach an all-time high of approx. Rs 16,000 crore in Financial Year 2022-23; Over 10-times increase since 2016-17; India exporting to over 85 countries". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
123. ^ "ظهر في المعرض العسكري للجيش السوداني صاروخ الدفاع الجوي الهندي AKASH والذي بات يعمل في الخدمة في قوات الدفاع الجوي السودانية". Twitter. Retrieved 25 June 2023.
124. ^ "EXCLUSIVE | Indian defence triumph: Bharat Dynamics secures major deal from Armenia amidst global achievements, say sources". Zee Business. 18 December 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
125. ^ "Assessing Armenia's Military Diversification Efforts: Partnerships with India and France". Regional Center for Democracy and Security. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
126. ^ "Armenia Has Quietly Acquired 15 Ashwin Ballistic Missile Defence Interceptors From India". Ground News. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
127. ^ Dubey, Ajit (19 December 2023). "After Armenia order, Philippines, Brazil, Egypt showing interest in Akash air defence missile system". ANI. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
128. ^ Pubby, Manu (20 December 2023). "India to Export Air Defence System to Armenia". The Economic Times.
129. ^ "India is set to commence the delivery of its indigenously developed Akash 1S air defence missile system to Armenia, its first foreign buyer". ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
130. ^ a b Singh, Mayank (12 November 2024). "India ships first Akash air defence missile system battery to Armenia". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
131. ^ "India's Growing Defence Exports: Akash Missile System for Armenia and Beyond". Financialexpress. 12 November 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
132. ^ a b Orpiano, Pitz (13 March 2022). "India's Akash Air Defense Missile System Offer for the Philippine Navy". Pitz Defense Analysis. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
133. ^ Resource, Philippine Defense. "Shore-Based Air Defense Missile System Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy". Philippine Defense Resource. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
134. ^ "Exclusive: India expects $200 million missile deal with Philippines this year, sources say". Reuters. 13 February 2025. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
135. ^ "India, Philippines deal likely on cards to sell Akash missiles for $200 million". Business Today. 13 February 2025. Retrieved 13 February 2025.
136. ^ "Make in India gets a boost! UAE expresses interest in the Akash surface-to-air missile system". Financial Express. 19 October 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
137. ^ "India offers Akash defence missile system to UAE". The Times of India. 9 April 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
138. ^ "India, Russia yet to reach breakthrough on Gorshkov". The Times of India. 9 January 2008. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
139. ^ "Wary of China, India offers Akash surface-to-air missile systems to Vietnam". The Times of India. 9 January 2017. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
140. ^ "Armenia eyes Akash missile, loitering munitions from India amid conflict with Azerbaijan". 18 October 2022.
141. ^ Sharma, Ritu (15 December 2023). "Akash Missile: Armenia Emerges Prime Contender As BDL Order Book Shows Export Order For Indian SAMs". The Eurasian Times. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
142. ^ Dubey, Ajit (19 December 2023). "After Armenia order, Philippines, Brazil, Egypt showing interest in Akash air defence missile system". ANI. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
143. ^ https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-offers-cheap-loans-arms-targeting-russias-traditional-customers-2025-04-16/
144. ^ "IAF orders another 750 Akash SAMs". The Hindustan Times. Indo-Asian News Service. 2 February 2010. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 4 March 2019.
145. ^ "Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks over Rs 9,100 crore contracts for improved Akash Weapon System & 12 Weapon Locating Radars Swathi (Plains) for Indian Army". PIB India. 30 March 2023.
146. ^ "Aatmanirbharta on the rise: Defence exports reach an all-time high of approx. Rs 16,000 crore in Financial Year 2022-23; Over 10-times increase since 2016-17; India exporting to over 85 countries". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
147. ^ "ظهر في المعرض العسكري للجيش السوداني صاروخ الدفاع الجوي الهندي AKASH والذي بات يعمل في الخدمة في قوات الدفاع الجوي السودانية". Twitter. Retrieved 25 June 2023.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Akash SAM.

* Official website
* Video of Akash missile tests
* Interview with Dr. Prahlada from DRDO[usurped]

* v
* t
* e

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

Aeronautics|

| Avionics|

* Tejas
* Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft

|

Other HAL programmes|

* HJT-36
* HTT-40
* Dhruv
* Rudra
* Prachand
* Light Utility Helicopter

Unmanned aerial vehicles|

* Nishant
* Rustom
* Lakshya
* Kapothaka
* Ulka
* Fluffy
* Ghatak
* Imperial Eagle
* Netra
* Pawan

Armaments|

| Small arms|

* INSAS
* Vidhwansak
* Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC)
* Multi Caliber Individual Weapon System (MCIWS)

|

Artillery, ammunition|

* Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher
* M-46 Catapult
* Bhim-T6
* ATAGS

Armoured fighting
vehicles|

| Tanks|

* Arjun
* Arjun Mk-II
* Tank EX
* DRDO light tank
* Zorawar

|

Infantry fighting vehicle|

* Abhay IFV

Other vehicles|

* Carrier Mortar Tracked
* Armoured Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle
* Light Armoured Vehicle
* Kartik BLT
* Daksh

Electronics,
computer science|

| Electronic warfare|

* Samyukta
* Tarang

|

Radars|

| Search|

* INDRA
* Swathi WLR
* BFSR-SR
* 3D-CAR
* ADTCR
* Bharani LLLR
* Arudhra MPR

|

Fire-control|

* Swordfish
* Rajendra
* BMFR
* Atulya ADFCR

Airborne|

* LCA MMR
* SV-2000
* Netra AEW&CS
* Uttam

Software|

* NETRA

Missile systems|

| Ballistic missiles|

| Agni|

* Agni-I
* Agni-II
* Agni-III
* Agni-IV
* Agni-V
* Agni-VI
* Agni-P

|

Prithvi|

* I
* II
* III
* Dhanush

SRBM|

* Shaurya
* Prahaar

SLBM|

* K-15
* K-4
* K-5

Cruise missiles|

* Nirbhay
* BrahMos
* II
* HSTDV

Anti-ship missiles|

* NASM-SR
* NASM-MR
* Long Range – Anti Ship Missile (India)

Air-to-air missiles|

* Astra BVRAAM

Anti-tank missiles|

* DRDO Anti Tank Missile
* MPATGM
* Nag

Surface-to-air|

* Akash
* Akash-NG
* Trishul
* Barak 8
* QRSAM
* VL-SRSAM

Air-to-surface|

* BrahMos-A
* Helina
* Rudram-1
* SMART

Anti-ballistic|

* Prithvi Air Defence (PAD)
* Advanced Air Defence (AAD)
* PDV Mk.2

Torpedoes|

* TAL
* ALWT
* Varunastra HWT

Bombs|

| Precision guided|

* Sudarshan
* Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon
* PG-HSLD

|

General purpose|

* HSLD-100/250/450/500

People|

| Scientists|

* Maj General Ranjit Lal Jetley
* Ram Narain Agarwal
* A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
* A. Sivathanu Pillai
* W Selvamurthy
* V. K. Saraswat
* V. K. Aatre
* Raja Ramanna
* V. S. Mahalingam
* Keshav Dattatreya Nayak
* Tessy Thomas
* Shashikala Sinha
* Ipsita Biswas
* S. P. Chakravarti
* Waman Dattatreya Patwardhan

|

Engines|

* GTX 37-14U
* GTX-35VS Kaveri
* Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine
* GATET engine

Important programmes|

* Project Indigo
* Project Valiant
* Project Devil
* IGMDP
* Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme
* DYSLs

* Indian Missile Programme
* Indian Armed Forces

* v
* t
* e

Missiles of India

Surface-
to-surface|

| Ballistic missiles|

| Intercontinental|

* Agni V
* Agni VI*

|

Intermediate range|

* Agni-III
* Agni IV

Medium range|

* Agni-II
* Agni-P*
* Shaurya (hypersonic)

Short range|

* Agni-I
* Prithvi-I
* Prithvi-II
* Prithvi-III
* Dhanush
* Pralay
* Prahaar

Submarine-launched|

* K-15 Sagarika
* K-4*
* K-5*
* K-6*

Cruise missiles|

| Hypersonic|

* HSTDV*
* BrahMos-II*
* Long Range – Anti Ship Missile (India)

|

Supersonic|

* BrahMos

Subsonic|

* Klub
* Nirbhay*

Anti-ship|

* Ametist (retired)
* Termit
* Moskit
* SwitchBlade
* 3M-54 Klub
* BrahMos
* Exocet

Anti-tank missiles|

* Nag
* Amogha
* Konkurs
* Malyutka
* Fagot
* Kornet
* MILAN
* MILAN 2T
* LAHAT
* Spiral
* Sniper
* CLGM
* 3UBK-Invar
* MPATGM**
* ENTAC

Torpedoes|

* Shyena
* SMART ASM
* AEG-SUT Mod-1
* A244-S
* 53-65 torpedo
* Type 53
* Advanced Light-Weight Torpedo
* SUT AS/ASW
* SET-65E ASW
* TEST-71 AS/ASW
* Mark 54
* Varunastra HWT

Air-
to-surface|

| Cruise missiles|

| Hypersonic|

* BrahMos-II*

|

Supersonic|

* BrahMos

Subsonic|

* Crystal Maze
* Kh-59ME
* Nirbhay**

Anti-ship|

* Kh-29 Kedge
* Kh-31 Krypton
* Kh-59MK
* Kh-35E
* Harpoon
* Sea Eagle
* BrahMos
* NASM-SR**
* NASM-MR*

Anti-tank missiles|

* MILAN
* LAHAT
* SS.11
* Scorpion
* Ataka
* Scallion
* HELINA

Torpedoes|

* Shyena
* Advanced Light-Weight Torpedo
* A244-S
* APR-3E
* APR-1 ASW

Laser-guided bomb|

* Sudarshan laser-guided bomb
* KAB-500L
* KAB-1500L
* Paveway LGB
* KAB-500KR
* CBU-105 SFW LGB
* Griffin LGB
* Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon

Anti-radiation missile|

* Martel
* Kh-25
* Kh-31
* Kh-29
* Rudram-1
* Rudram-2**
* Rudram-3*

Medium range attack|

* AS-30L

Short range attack|

* Sea Skua

Surface-
to-air|

| Anti-ballistic missiles|

* PAD
* AAD
* PDV Mk2**

|

Medium range SAM|

* S-400
* Project Kusha**

Medium range SAM|

* Akash
* Akash-NG**
* SA-5 Gammon
* SA-6 Gainful
* SA-11 Gadfly
* SA-17 Grizzly
* Barak 8

Short range SAM|

* Trishul
* Tunguska
* SA-8 Gecko
* SA-3 Goa
* SA-9 Gaskin
* SA-2 Guideline
* SA-13 Gopher
* Seacat
* Tigercat
* Barak 1
* SPYDER
* VL-SRSAM**
* QR-SAM**

MANPADS|

* SA-16 Gimlet
* SA-7 Grail
* SA-14 Gremlin
* SA-18 Grouse
* FIM-92 Stinger
* VSHORAD**

Air-
to-air|

| Visual range|

* Python
* Super 530
* R.550 Magic-1
* R.550 Magic-2
* K-13S
* R-40
* R-60
* R-73

|

Beyond visual range|

* R-27ER
* R-27ET
* R-27R
* R-27T
* R-77
* Derby
* Python-4
* R-23R
* R-23T
* Super 530
* MICA
* ASRAAM
* Astra

* Notes: (*) Undergoing development
* (**) Undergoing trials
* Indian Armed Forces
* Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Program
* Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme

*[No.]: Number
*[lit.]: literal translation
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template