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The Akash supersonic missile has been successfully trialled at the integrated test range (ITR) in Chandipur Odisha, India.

Three of the medium-range, anti-aircraft missiles were test-fired at floating para-barrel targets over the Bay of Bengal.

The trials aimed to assess the flight consistency and effectiveness of the missile in various conditions, reported The New Indian Express.

The indigenously-built Akash supersonic missile was formally secured by the Indian Army Air Defence Corps to boost its capabilites and operational effectiveness.

It can engage aerial threats up to a distance of 25km, and was developed during an integrated guided missile development programme by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Bharat Electronic Limited.

"The trials aimed to assess the flight consistency and effectiveness of the missile in various conditions."

The 5.78m-long missile is equipped with a launcher, control centre, multi-function fire control radar and supporting ground equipment.

It can destroy manoeuvring targets, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and other ballistic missiles launched from helicopters.

Designed to carry a 60kg warhead, the missile is powered by a Ramjet-rocket propulsion system, and can reach speeds up to 3.5Ma.


Image: India’s indigenously built Akash supersonic missile. Photo: courtesy of Defence Research and Development Organisation.