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Akash Air Defense Missile System

Akash Air Defense Missile System

Manufacturer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Category: Defense Systems
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Maximum Range 25 to 30 km
Maximum Altitude 18 km
Radar Detection Range up to 80 km
Missile Speed Mach 2.5

Defense Systems Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Akash Air Defense Missile System
Manufacturer	DRDO, Bharat Dynamics Limited
Country of Origin	India
Type / Role	Medium Range SAM System
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2014
Unit Cost	USD 30 to 40 Million per Battery

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	25 to 30 km
Maximum Engagement Altitude	18 km
Target Types	Aircraft, UAVs, Cruise Missiles
Interception Probability	High (Exact figures not disclosed)
Reaction Time	Seconds
Radar Detection Range	Up to 80 km

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	Akash
Missile Length	5.8 m
Missile Weight	720 kg
Warhead Type	High Explosive Fragmentation
Warhead Weight	High Explosive Fragmentation
Speed	Mach 2.5

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	Passive Electronically Scanned Array
Radar Name	Rajendra
Detection Range	60–80 km
Tracking Capacity	Multiple targets simultaneously
Guidance System	Command Guidance with Radar Tracking
Fire Control System	Integrated Automated Fire Control

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Mobile, Truck Mounted
No. of Missiles per Launcher	3
Reload Time	Several minutes
Mobility Platform	8x8 High Mobility Vehicle
Crew Required	3–5 personnel

6. Command & Control

C2 System	Integrated Air Defense Command Network
Connectivity	Secure Military Data Li
Network Capability	Yes
Operation Mode	Autonomous and Networked

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	India
Combat Proven	Limited Operational Deployment
Conflict History	Peacetime Air Defense Operations
Notable Feature	Indigenous, Cost Effective SAM

PROS

Mobile and road deployable system
Capable against aircraft, UAVs, and cruise missiles
Relatively low cost per interceptor
Indigenous radar and missile production
Proven service with Indian military

CONS

Shorter range than modern long range SAM systems
Limited effectiveness against ballistic missiles
Command guidance less flexible than active seekers
Radar dependent for full performance
Slower upgrade cycle compared to top tier Western systems

Akash Air Defense Missile System

The Akash air defense missile system is a medium range, surface to air weapon designed to protect key military and civilian assets from aerial threats. Developed to counter fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned systems, and cruise missiles, Akash forms a core layer of India’s ground based air defense network. Its mobile design and quick reaction time make it suitable for both static defense and forward deployed formations.

Manufacturer

Akash was developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited in cooperation with Bharat Electronics Limited. The system entered service with the Indian Air Force and Indian Army in the mid 2010s and has since seen multiple upgrades, including the Akash 1S variant with an improved indigenous radar seeker.

Speed and Range

The Akash missile has an engagement range of roughly 25 to 30 kilometers, with an operational altitude envelope up to about 18 kilometers. It travels at speeds around Mach 2.5, allowing it to intercept fast moving targets. The missile uses command guidance with radar support, enabling engagement of multiple targets simultaneously.

Cost / Price

Akash Air Defense Missile System Price
The estimated cost of an Akash battery is between USD 30 million and USD 40 million, depending on configuration, radar type, and support vehicles. Individual missile costs are significantly lower than many Western equivalents, making Akash attractive for budget conscious air defense forces.

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Operational Use

Akash is fully operational with Indian forces and has been offered for export. Its focus is point and area defense of air bases, logistics hubs, and troop concentrations, especially against low to medium altitude threats.

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