An Akash battery comprises a single Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array radar and four launchers with three missiles each
India’s defense industry development program is making great strides. Most recently, on September 27, 2021, DRDO successfully tested a new version of Akash Surface to Air missile Akash Prime from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. In comparison with the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active radio frequency seeker for improved accuracy. Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low-temperature environments, at higher altitudes.
A statement by the DRDO said, “The missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking an enemy aircraft in its maiden flight test after improvements.” 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 and Communication system, it said, adding that the test was carried out amidst bad weather conditions, “proving the all-weather capability of the weapon system”.
An Akash battery comprises a single Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array 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.
Akash is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile system developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited. The Akash missile system can target aircraft up to 50–80 km away, at altitudes up to 18,000 m. It has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles as well as ballistic missiles. It is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
