New Generation Akash Missile

• 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.

How is Akash-NG different from the Akash?

• 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.

IGMDP 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: