DRDO successfully flight-tests Akash-NG

NELLORE: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully flight-tested the new generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG), a surface-to-air missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the coast of Odisha.

The flight-trial was conducted at around 12:45 pm from a land-based platform with all weapon system elements such as multifunction radar, command, control & communication system and launcher participating in deployment configuration.

The missile system has been developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.

The launch was witnessed by personnel from Indian Air Force (IAF). In order to capture flight data, ITR deployed a number of range stations such as electro optical tracking system, radar, and telemetry. The flawless performance of the entire weapon system was confirmed by complete flight data captured by the systems.

During the test, the missile demonstrated high maneuverability required for neutralising fast and agile aerial threats. Once deployed, the Akash-NG weapon system will prove to be a force multiplier for IAF’s air defence capability.

Production agencies Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) also participated in the trials.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, BDL, BEL, IAF and the industry for the successful test.

Secretary department of defence R&D and DRDO chairman applauded the efforts of the team and said that the missile would strengthen IAF.