The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha at 1030 hrs on January 12, 2024. The flight test was executed against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at a very low altitude. During the flight test, the weapon system successfully intercepted and destroyed the target, validating the functioning of the complete weapon system, which includes the missile with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar, and Command, Control & communication system.
The system’s performance was also validated through the data captured by numerous Radars, Telemetry, and Electro-Optical Tracking Systems deployed by ITR, Chandipur. The flight test was witnessed by senior officials from DRDO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The AKASH-NG system is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high-speed, agile aerial threats. The successful flight test has paved the way for User trials.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, IAF, PSUs, and the Industry for the flight test. He mentioned that the successful development of the system will further enhance the air defense capabilities of the country.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, also congratulated the teams associated with the successful flight test of AKASH-NG.