New Delhi: India today once again successfully tested the locally-made new generation air defence missile against an high-speed unmanned aerial target, validating a key function of the weapon system.

“(The) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of New Generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha,” a Ministry of Defence statement said.

“The test was carried out against a high-speed unmanned aerial target which was successfully intercepted by the missile,” the statement said.

“The flight test has validated the functioning of complete weapon system consisting of the missile with indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control and Communication System.”

The Akash-NG test was carried out amidst inclement weather conditions proving the all-weather capability of the weapon system.

The system performance was validated through the data captured by a number of Radar, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking Systems deployed by ITR, Chandipur. A team of Indian Air Force (IAF) officers witnessed the test.

On July 21, the missile was successfully flight-tested without seeker meeting all the mission requirements.

Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the IAF and the industry on the second successful flight test of Akash-NG within a span of three days. He said the development of this state-of-the-art missile system will prove to be a force multiplier for air defence capabilities of the IAF.

DRDO Chairman and Department of Defence Research and Development Secretary Dr G. Satheesh Reddy congratulated the teams for successful trial of Akash-NG, which is capable of intercepting high speed and agile aerial threats.

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