Akash Missile

• 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.