Akash Prime

India achieved a significant milestone in its indigenous defence capabilities on 16 July by successfully intercepting and destroying two high-speed aerial unmanned targets using the Akash Prime air defence system in the challenging high-altitude region of Ladakh.

• The successful trial, part of the “First of Production Model” firing tests, is a crucial step towards validating the system’s performance before its formal induction into service.
• The Ministry of Defence stated that this trial would pave the way for timely deployment and significantly bolster India’s air defence capabilities in its high-altitude frontiers.
• The Akash Prime, an upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System, has been specifically customized to operate effectively at altitudes above 4,500 meters (approximately 15,000 feet).
• Its enhancements include a notably indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved target acquisition and engagement, ensuring greater precision in challenging environments.
• This advanced air defence system is a product of collaborative efforts involving the Indian Army’s Air Defence units, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and defence public sector undertakings such as Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), alongside other industry partners.