India successfully test-fired a new variant of the Akash missile (Akash-NG) off the Odisha coast. Official sources said that the missile, equipped with all types of weapon systems like multi-role radar, command, control and communication systems and launchers, was test-fired from the ground platform at around 1.45 pm (12:45).
Hyderabad-based Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) has developed this missile system in collaboration with the laboratories of Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO). Equipped with surface-to-air capability, the missile was test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR). Sources said that during the test, the missile demonstrated its capability to hit high-speed and sensitive air targets.
Based on the data obtained from the flight of the missile during the test, the successful, flawless functioning of all the weapon systems has been confirmed. Once in service, the Akash-NG weapon system will prove to be very important for the Indian Air Force and will increase its capability manifold.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Air Force and its associated manufacturing agencies. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted, “Congratulations to DRDO on the successful test-fire of the new version of Akash missile from the Integrated Test Center off Odisha coast.”
DRDO today test-fired an indigenously developed low-weight anti-tank guided missile that can be carried on a person’s shoulder. With this successful test, the way has been cleared for its construction by the army. This missile has been developed to increase the capability of the Indian Army.
In December last year, the government had allowed the export of Akash missiles and constituted a high-level committee for its sale to various countries. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and it has been formed to allow export of critical defense equipment developed indigenously.
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