For the older ramjet powered missile, see Akash (missile).

Akash - New Generation (IAST: Ākāśa "Sky") abbreviated as Akash-NG is a medium-ranged, mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics (BEL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).[2][3]

For the Akash-NG project, DRDO selected Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India, a private company, under Development cum Production Partner programme.[4] Akash-NG is the successor of Akash and Akash-1S series of missiles with improvements.[1]

Development

With a canisterized launcher and a significantly reduced ground system footprint than the previous generation Akash SAM system, Akash-NG has been created for greater deployability.[5] In September 2016, approval was given for the development of the Akash-NG (New Generation), with funding of ₹470 crore (equivalent to ₹676 crore or US$77 million in 2023).[6]

Akash-NG will be more resilient to saturation attacks and have a quicker reaction time. The second stage's dual-pulse solid rocket motor is lighter than the air-breathing ramjet engine found in the earlier generation Akash and Akash-1S missiles.[1] It assists in lessening the platform's weight and footprint. The missile's effectiveness against targets with low radar cross-section is enhanced by an active electronically scanned array Multi-Function Radar (MFR), while the optical proximity fuze offers superior anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities.[7][8]

The missile uses an Ku-band active radar seeker which was revealed to the public during Aero India 2021.[1]

According to Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India, Akash NG can function at elevations between 20° and 70° and at 360° azimuth. It takes ten minutes to reload two stacks of canisterized missiles. The system can fire one missile in ten seconds after the command-and-control unit acquires the target, and a salvo of three missiles can be fired in twenty seconds. The deployment time from transportation to ready-to-fire mode is less than 20 minutes.[4][9]

Ten targets can be engaged at once with Akash NG.[10] As per Janes Information Services, the range of interception is as high as 50–60 km.[11] DRDO increased the missile's operational range from 25–30 km for the previous generation Akash to 70–80 km for the Akash-NG.[9][12]

Testing

Akash-NG missile test on 23 July 2021

On 25 January 2021, at around 2:30 p.m., the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully carried out the missile's maiden test against an electronic target from Launch Complex - III (LC-3) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) near Chandipur, Odisha. The launch accomplished all test objectives by executing high-altitude maneuvers throughout its trajectory. During the trial, the effectiveness of the missile's aerodynamic configuration, onboard avionics, and Command and Control system were all successfully validated in the presence of IAF representatives. Production agencies including Bharat Electronics (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) participated in the trials.[9][13]

On 21 July 2021, at approximately 12:45 p.m., the DRDO successfully carried out the missile's second test against an electronic target from LC-3 at the ITR. The missile proved to have the high maneuverability needed to neutralize swift and agile airborne threats throughout the test. The test included the entire Akash NG Weapon System including the Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control & Communication system. The systems were operated by BEL and BDL and the trial was observed by an IAF team.[3]

On 23 July 2021, at 11:45 a.m., DRDO successfully tested the Akash-NG from LC-3 at the ITR. The missile, equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) Seeker, intercepted a high-speed unmanned aerial target. The test conducted in challenging weather conditions demonstrated the weapon system's all-weather capability. The entire weapon system was deployed and validated during the test.[14][12]

The Akash-NG was flight tested in 2023 against Meggitt Banshee from the Integrated Test Range with the goal of intercepting highly maneuverable, low radar cross section aerial threats.[5]

Akash-NG being test fired from IAF launcher against a fast-moving, low-altitude UAV in 2024

The Akash-NG was successfully tested by DRDO on 12 January 2024, in flight against a swiftly moving unmanned aerial vehicle at a very low altitude. The target's successful interception and annihilation confirmed that the entire weapon system was operating as intended. Akash-NG is now ready for user trials.[15][16]

Export

Brazil

In August 2024, the Brazilian and Indian specialized media reported an ongoing negotiation between the Brazilian military and DRDO for a Akash-NG deal within the Brazilian Army's medium and long range surface-to-air missile program. A Brazilian delegation is set to visit India in August to discuss the deal.[17][18]

Operators

 India

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Jha, Saurav (8 February 2021). "Developing Any Kind Of Missile Is Not Much Of An Issue For DRDO Anymore: Satheesh Reddy". Delhi Defence Review. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  2. ^ "India Successfully Test Fires Medium-Range Akash Missile". NDTV. Archived from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
  3. ^ a b "DRDO successfully flight-tests surface-to-air missile Akash-NG". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  4. ^ a b Kajal, Kapil (19 October 2022). "Defexpo 2022: India showcases Akash-NG mobile missile launcher". Janes. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
  5. ^ a b "MINISTRY OF DEFENCE - YEAR END REVIEW 2023". Press Information Bureau. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  6. ^ "DRDO Projects". Ministry of Defence. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2019 – via Press Information Bureau.
  7. ^ SV, Vikas (4 December 2018). "Next generation Akash-NG to add new diamension to India's air defence capabilities". oneindia. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
  8. ^ "Successful Maiden Test Launch of Akash-NG Missile". pib.gov.in. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  9. ^ a b c Rout, Hemant Kumar. "Next-generation surface-to-air Akash missile successfully test-fired". The New Indian Express. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
  10. ^ Rout, Hemant Kumar (12 January 2024). "New generation Akash-NG validates advanced missile technology with precision hit". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  11. ^ Kajal, Kapil (16 January 2024). "India test-fires new-generation Akash missile". Janes.com. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  12. ^ a b Negi, Manjeet; Bhalla, Abhishek (23 July 2021). "DRDO successfully tests new-generation Akash missile for second time". India Today. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  13. ^ "Successful Maiden Test Launch of Akash-NG Missile". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  14. ^ "DRDO conducts successful flight test of Akash-NG". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
  15. ^ "DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH missile off Odisha coast". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  16. ^ "DRDO conducts successful flight-test of Akash-NG missile". The Hindu. 12 January 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  17. ^ "Brasil negocia con India la incorporación de Akash NG para su Ejército y el mantenimiento de submarinos para la Armada". Infodefensa (in Spanish). 7 August 2024.
  18. ^ "BrahMos finds global attention with Brazil delegation set to visit India". thehindubusinessline.com. 2 August 2024.

Jannes.com

Allikas: Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akash-NG
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