DRDO Successfully Flight Tests Akash-NG Missile

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 on July 23. The test was carried out against a high-speed unmanned aerial target which was successfully intercepted by the missile.

A press note from the DRDO stated, “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 & Communication system. The 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 Officers witnessed the test. On July 21, the missile was successfully flight-tested without seeker meeting all the mission requirements.

The press note from DRDO added, “Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Air Force and the Industry on the second successful flight test of Akash-NG in 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 Indian Air Force.”

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