Akash missile defence system: India’s shield in the sky

India’s skies are safer than ever, thanks to the Akash Missile Defence System. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this homegrown system is like a strong shield protecting the nation from aerial dangers. In today’s world, where wars involve missiles, drones, and advanced technology, Akash is India’s answer to keeping its airspace secure. Fast, mobile, and accurate, this missile system strengthens India’s air defence like never before.

The name “Akash” means “sky” in Sanskrit, and it truly lives up to its name. It guards India’s skies by stopping threats like enemy fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles. Deployed along borders and near important places like military bases, Akash gives the Indian Armed Forces the confidence to work without fear, even when enemies are watching.

How Does Akash Work?

The Akash system is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) platform, which means it shoots missiles from the ground to destroy targets in the air. It’s a smart system that can detect, track, and destroy threats before they cause harm. Here’s how it works in simple steps:

  • Detection: Akash uses a powerful radar, like the Rajendra 3D radar, to spot enemy aircraft or missiles up to 100 km away.
  • Tracking: Once it finds a target, the radar follows its every move, checking its speed, direction, and height.
  • Decision: A control unit decides if the target is dangerous and needs to be stopped.
  • Launch: If required, an Akash missile is fired straight up from a mobile launcher.
  • Guidance: The missile gets real-time directions from the ground radar to stay on course.
  • Destruction: When it gets close to the target, the missile explodes using a proximity fuse, destroying or damaging the enemy object. This process happens in seconds, making Akash quick and reliable.

Key Features of Akash

The Akash system is packed with features that make it a strong defender of India’s skies. Here are some highlights:

  • Range: It can hit targets 25–45 km away.
  • Altitude: It can take down threats flying as high as 18 km (about 60,000 feet).
  • Speed: The missile travels at Mach 2.5, which is 2.5 times the speed of sound.
  • Mobility: Mounted on trucks, Akash can move quickly to where it’s needed.
  • Targets: It can destroy fighter jets, cruise missiles, helicopters, and drones.
  • All-Weather: Akash works in rain, fog, or shine, day or night.

Why Akash Is Important for India

India faces many security challenges, from tense borders with neighbouring countries to the threat of terrorism and new aerial technologies like drones. For a long time, India depended on foreign systems to protect its skies. But Akash changes that. It’s a proudly Indian system, built under the “Make in India” mission, which means we can make it ourselves without relying on other countries.

  • Self-Reliance: Akash reduces India’s need for costly foreign missile systems. It’s affordable and can be produced in large numbers.
  • Strategic Protection: The system is deployed in key areas, like the northeast and western borders near Pakistan and China, guarding against surprise attacks.
  • Proven Success: Akash has been tested many times, including live trials where it successfully shot down targets. For example, in 2021, the Indian Air Force demonstrated its accuracy by intercepting high-speed aerial targets.

Operation Sindoor: Akash in Action

On the night of May 7–8, 2025, the Akash Missile Defence System proved its strength during Operation Sindoor, a response to Pakistan’s attack on 15 Indian military sites with drones and missiles. According to reports, the Indian Air Force used Akash, along with other systems like the S-400 and MRSAM, to neutralise the threats across 1,800 km of airspace, from Jammu to Bhuj. The Akash system successfully intercepted Pakistani drones and missiles, and even shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet, with sources suggesting a JF-17 was also hit. Integrated with the IAF’s command system, Akash’s 45-km range and ability to engage multiple targets at once ensured no hostile assets breached Indian airspace, with debris found in Jammu, Punjab, and Gujarat. This real-world success highlighted Akash’s critical role in India’s defence.

Variants and Upgrades

The DRDO, along with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), keeps improving Akash to make it even better. Two upgraded versions are:

  • Akash-1S: This version has better accuracy and a new seeker to track targets more effectively.
  • Akash-NG (New Generation): This advanced model has a lighter, two-pulse solid rocket motor and an active radar seeker. It’s faster, deadlier, and can reach up to 50–60 km, ready for modern warfare.

Fact-checking confirms that Akash-NG was successfully tested in January 2024, showing improved range and precision, making it a strong contender for future defence needs.

How Akash Compares to Other Systems

Akash fills an important gap in India’s air defence by handling mid-range threats. Here’s how it compares:

  • S-400 (Russia): A long-range SAM with a reach of up to 400 km. It’s imported and costly.
  • Akash (India): A medium-range SAM (25–45 km), fully made in India and budget-friendly.
  • Barak-8 (India-Israel): A medium- to long-rang 8e SAM (70–100 km), used by the Navy and Air Force.
  • QRSAM (India): A short-range, quick-reaction SAM for fast-moving targets.

Together, these systems create a layered defence network, protecting India from threats at different distances and heights. India received its first S-400 squadron in 2021, with more deliveries ongoing, complementing Akash’s role.

The Road Ahead

India isn’t just using Akash for itself—it’s also looking to sell it to other countries. Nations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, like Armenia and the Philippines, have shown interest. In 2023, Armenia signed a deal worth ₹6,000 crore for Akash systems, with deliveries expected by late 2024. With upgrades like Akash-NG, Indi 9a could become a major player in the global missile defence market.

A Symbol of India’s Strength

In a world where aerial threats are growing—drones, stealth jets, and cruise missiles—India cannot afford to be unprepared. The Akash Missile Defence System is more than just a weapon. It’s a symbol of India’s growing technological power, its push for self-reliance, and its commitment to keeping the nation safe. From the snowy peaks of Ladakh to the deserts of Rajasthan, Akash is India’s shield in the sky, protecting the dreams of 1.4 billion people.

(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science writer and Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@gmail.com)

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