Context:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested a new version of Akash Surface to Air missile Akash Prime from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
Relevance:
Prelims, GS-III: Science and Technology (Defence Technology)
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Akash missile system
- About the recently tested Akash Prime
- About IGMDP
About Akash missile system
- The development of the Akash SAM was started by the DRDO in the late 1980s as part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
- Akash is India’s first indigenously produced medium range SAM that can engage multiple targets from multiple directions and has nearly 90% kill probability even while being launched from mobile platforms like battle tanks or wheeled trucks.
- The Akash missile system is unique in the way that It can simultaneously engage multiple targets in group mode or autonomous mode.
- The missile is supported by the indigenously developed radar called ‘Rajendra’.
- The missile is reportedly cheaper and more accurate than US’ Patriot missiles due to its solid-fuel technology and high-tech radars.
About the recently tested Akash Prime
- In comparison to the existing Akash system, Akash Prime is equipped with indigenous active RF (Radio Frequency) seeker for improved accuracy, which makes sure that the target at which the missile is fired is hit.
- Akash Prime was developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories under the Missiles and Strategic Systems (MSS).
- Other improvements were also incorporated in Akash Prime like ensuring reliable performance under a low-temperature environment at higher altitudes.
Click Here to read about the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
-Source: The Hindu
