Akash Missile
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- Context (TH | BS | ANI): Looking to export its indigenous weapon system, India demonstrated Akash Missile Systems’ capability during Exercise Astrashakti 2023.
- Akash Missile System engaged four aerial targets simultaneously, making India the first to achieve this capability with a single firing unit.
- Akash is India’s first indigenously produced short-range (up to 25 km) Surface-to-Air missile.
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed it to protect vulnerable areas and points from air attacks.
- This nuclear-capable supersonic missile can reach speeds up to Mach 2.5 (860 m/sec).
- The missile system is among the key platforms India exports to friendly foreign countries.
- Akash has been developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)
- IGMDP was a Ministry of Defence programme for developing a comprehensive range of missiles.
- Dr A P J Abdul Kalam conceived it to achieve missile technology self-sufficiency in India.
- It was started in 1983 and completed in 2012.
- Under IGMDP, the development of five missile systems was taken up.
Missile Systems Developed under IGMDP |
Prithvi (Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile) |
Agni (Only Agni-I: Intermediate-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile) |
Trishul (Short-range surface-to-air missile) |
Akash (Short-range surface-to-air missile) |
Nag (Third generation anti-tank missile) |