New Generation Akash Missile

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Context (PIB): DRDO successfully flight-tested the New Generation Akash (Akash-NG) Missile at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, off Odisha’s coast.
The Akash-NG system is a state-of-the-art missile for intercepting high-speed, agile aerial threats.
It is an indigenously developed medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defence system developed by the DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics.
It can fly to Mach 2.5 (2.5 times the speed of sound) and strike targets at around 60 km.
It can be launched from mobile platforms like battle tanks or wheeled trucks and has a nearly 90% kill probability.

Akash Missile

Akash has been developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Plan (IGMDP) along with Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, and Nag Missile systems.
The missile was inducted in 2014 in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and in 2015 in the Indian Army.
It is a Surface to Air anti-aircraft Missile (SAM) with a medium range of 25-30 Km.
Akash missile system can neutralize aerial targets such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles as well as ballistic missiles.
Akash is powered by a high-energy solid propellant and Ramjet-rocket propulsion system.

Akash-NG has achieved a higher altitude ceiling of over 20 km, along with an extended range beyond 25 km.
It has a two-pulse, solid rocket motor that replaces the old ramjet on the Akash missile.
Its weight has been reduced to 350 kg from Akash’s 700kg.

It is a programme of the Ministry of Defense for Research and Development.
It was conceived by Dr A P J Abdul Kalam to enable India to attain self-sufficiency in missile technology.
The five missiles developed under this program are:

India’s Missile Systems for UPSC IGMDP Prithvi Akash NAG Trishul Agni