ANS: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight tested a new version of the Akash Missile, “Akash Prime” on Monday.
The missile test was conducted from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha. The missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking enemy aircrafts, in its maiden flight test after improvements, the Ministry of Defence said.
“Akash Prime” is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency seeker for improved accuracy in comparison to the existing Akash System.
Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low temperature environments at higher altitudes. Modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system has been used for the current flight test.
The range stations of Integrated Test Range comprising Radars, Electro Optical Tracking System and Telemetry stations monitored the missile trajectory and flight parameters.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Defence Public Sector Undertaking and industry for the successful trials of Akash Prime Missile.
Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated the team for the successful flight trial of Akash Prime Missile.
He said that the Akash Prime system will further boost the confidence of the users Indian Army and Indian Air Force as the Akash system is already inducted and now getting improved with more lethal missiles.