New Delhi: India today successfully conducted the maiden test-launch of its new generation Akash air defence missile off its eastern coast, a weapon system for intercepting highly manoeuverable low radar cross section aerial threats.

The country’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the test from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) on the coast of Odisha, a Ministry of Defence statement said. Akash-NG is a new generation surface-to-air missile meant for use by Indian Air Force.

“The missile intercepted the target with text-book precision. The launch met all the test objectives by performing high maneuvers during the trajectory,” the statement said.

The performance of the command and control system, onboard avionics and aerodynamic configuration of the missile was successfully validated during the trial.

During the test-launch, the entire flight path of the missile was monitored and the flight data was captured by various range instruments such as Radar, EOTS and Telemetry systems deployed by ITR at Chandipur. The Multi Function Radar was tested for its capability of integration with the system.

The Akash-NG system has been developed with better deployability compared to other similar systems with canisterised launcher and much smaller ground system footprint.

The test launch was carried out by a combined team of DRDO, state-run Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited in the presence of IAF officers.

Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh congratulated the scientists from DRDO, BEL and team from the IAF for this achievement. DRDO Chairman and Department of Defence Research and Development Dr G. Satheesh Reddy congratulated the team for the successful flight trial of Akash-NG missile.

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