The Akash supersonic missile has successfully intercepted its UAV target during trials at the integrated test range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, India.
Health parameters of the missile were tracked and monitored by telemetry and electro-optical systems and radars that were deployed along the coast.
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The missile is being introduced into the Indian Army as a short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM). It is the first surface-to-air missile with a domestically built seeker to be test-fired.
With the successful test launch, India has achieved the capability of making any type of surface-to-air missile, the Indian Ministry of Defence stated.
Akash was developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the integrated guided-missile development programme (IGMDP).
The missile was built at a cost of around $120m to provide a multidirectional and multi-target area of defence.
It can be launched from static or mobile platforms, such as battle tanks, to destroy manoeuvring targets such as UAVs, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles and missiles launched from helicopters.
The missile system features ramjet propulsion, a switchable guidance antenna system, a command guidance unit, and an on-board power supply. It also features a system-arming and detonation mechanism, digital autopilot, radars and C4I centres.
