What Is Akash? India's Homegrown Surface-To-Air Missile System Shields Nation Amid Escalating Cross-Border Attacks; Know All About It

New Delhi: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, India’s homegrown Akash surface-to-air missile system played a vital role in thwarting aerial threats from across the border. According to defence officials, both the Indian Army and Air Force have deployed the Akash system extensively along the Pakistan border, where it has been instrumental in intercepting and neutralising Pakistani strikes.

The Made in India Akash surface-to-air missile air defence system has been effectively used by the Indian armed forces in foiling Pakistani attacks towards Indian targets. Both the Indian Army and Air Force have the missile system all along the Pakistan border: Defence Officials pic.twitter.com/lET5vf8O65

— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2025

In a major escalation, over 30 Pakistani missiles targeted 15 key Indian locations in a coordinated offensive by the Pakistan Army and Air Force. However, India’s Air Defence Umbrella, powered by Akash and other advanced systems, successfully neutralised the incoming threats, preventing damage to strategic military and civilian infrastructure.

Akash Missile System Intercepted Several Missiles

Indian defence forces, backed by a layered air defence network, had preemptively fortified critical assets. The Akash missile system, in conjunction with Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAMs) and electronic warfare capabilities, intercepted not only missiles but also drones attempting to breach Indian airspace. Pakistan’s drone activity was effectively jammed, showcasing India’s growing electronic warfare competence.

In a swift and calibrated counter-strike, the Indian Air Force deployed Harop and Harpy loitering munitions to dismantle Pakistani air defence systems near Lahore, marking a powerful demonstration of India’s retaliatory precision.

Akash: India’s Indigenous Air Defence Backbone

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Akash missile system reflects India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology. With 96% indigenous content, Akash is a cornerstone in India’s air defence strategy.

Capable of speeds between Mach 2.5 to 3.5, Akash can engage threats at altitudes up to 18 km and ranges of 4.5 to 25 km. It features a solid-fuel ramjet engine, command guidance, a digital autopilot, and self-destruct features to minimise collateral damage.

The system boasts a kill probability of 88 per cent with a single missile, increasing to 99 per cent in salvo mode. Each missile carries a 60 kg warhead, suitable for both conventional and nuclear configurations.

#AtmanirbharBharat

The Akash missile system is an indigenously developed mobile Surface to Air Missile System of #IAF.

With an ability to handle multiple targets simultaneously, it can effectively engage manoeuvring aerial platforms.#IAFCapabilities pic.twitter.com/3BOxPAfRJ1

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 9, 2022

Integrated & Mobile Architecture

A standard Akash battery includes:

Rajendra PESA fire control radar

Self-propelled launchers

Battery and group control centres

C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Intelligence) integration

Mounted on tracked and wheeled platforms, the system’s mobility ensures rapid deployment across diverse terrains, from deserts to high-altitude borders.

Export Success & Future Upgrades

India exported the Akash system to Armenia and several other nations including Philippines, Egypt, Brazil and Vietnam have expressed interest, reported India TV. The Akash NG (Next Generation), under development, will include a canisterized launcher, active radar seeker and an extended range of 70 km, capable of intercepting stealth and supersonic threats.

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