Akash strikes back: India’s homegrown missile that crushed Pakistani drone attacks
When Pakistani missiles and drones suddenly targeted 15 Indian cities, India didn’t just react quickly — it showed the world the strength of its homegrown defence systems. Leading the charge was Akash, India’s own surface-to-air missile system, which didn’t just defend but it struck back with precision. According to defence officials speaking with ANI, the Akash system played a crucial role in identifying and destroying several incoming threats in the western sector. Originally designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and built by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Akash has been a part of India’s arsenal since the 2010s. But this recent escalation has spotlighted it as more than just a national shield as it’s now seen as a potential global contender in modern air defence.
Each Akash unit is fully mobile and includes everything needed for rapid deployment i.e. missiles, radar systems, launchers, and a command center. This setup allows the system to respond quickly and cover large stretches of border areas.
Currently positioned across strategic zones from Punjab to Kashmir, the system’s powerful Rajendra radar can spot incoming threats like drones, cruise missiles, or even enemy aircraft well in advance.
Akash missile teams operate from mobile platforms some on wheels, others on tracks allowing them to move fast and fire even faster. The missiles themselves fly at high speeds, between Mach 2.5 and 3.5, and are packed with a 60-kilogram warhead that explodes in the air near the target, shredding it with sharp fragments.
Akash missile system: A game-changer for India’s defence strategy
The Akash missile system has proven to be a game-changer in India’s defence strategy, thanks to its high accuracy and advanced features. According to experts, a single Akash missile has about an 88 per cent success rate, which can go up to 99 per cent when fired in groups (salvo mode).
What really made Akash shine during the recent conflict was its ability to manage multiple incoming threats at once. It can track up to 64 targets and engage 12 of them at the same time, making it a powerful part of India’s air defence network.
In 2024, Armenia became the first foreign buyer, signing a deal reportedly worth over Rs. 6,000 crore. Since then, several countries including Vietnam, the Philippines, Brazil, and Egypt have shown strong interest in the system.
What attracts buyers is that Akash is over 96 per cent made in India, and it’s offered as a complete package that includes missiles, radars, command systems, and support vehicles, all ready for use.
One of Akash’s biggest strengths is its value for money. It delivers strong performance at a much lower cost compared to similar Western or Russian systems. Now, India is getting ready to roll out the next-generation version, Akash-NG, which is currently in the final stages of testing. This upgraded version will double the range to 80 km, come with canister launchers, use active radar seekers, and offer better protection against jamming.
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