Akash Prime Missile

CONTEXT:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested a new version of Akash Surface to Air missile Akash Prime from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.

IMPORTANT POINTERS:

• In comparison to the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy.
• Other modifications include ensuring more reliable performance under low temperature environment at higher altitudes.
• Akash Prime system will further boost the confidence of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force as the Akash system is already inducted and now getting improved with more lethal missiles.
• The Indian Air Force has deployed Akash at its bases in Gwalior (Maharajpur AFS), Jalpaiguri (Hasimara AFS), Tezpur, Jorhat and Pune (Lohegaon AFS).
• Indian Army deployed Akash air defence system along Line of Actual Control in Ladakh as tension rose between India and China 2020 China–India skirmishes.
• The Akash Prime is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by the DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
• The Akash SAM, like the Russian 2K12 Kub, utilizes an integrated ramjet-rocket propulsion system, which, after initial rocket motor burnout, provides sustained thrust for the missile throughout its flight until interception.
• Akash Missile was part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

• Short range surface-to-surface missile (code-named Prithvi)
• Short range low-level surface-to-air missile (code-named Trishul)
• Medium range surface-to-air missile (code-named Akash) and
• Third-generation anti-tank missile (code-named Nag).

Sources

• The Indian Express
• The Hindu
• Live Mint
• India Today