Akash-NG missile clears user trials, major step towards induction

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation has completed user evaluation trials of the Akash-NG (Next Generation) surface-to-air missile system, marking a critical milestone towards its induction into the Indian Armed Forces.

The trials were conducted on December 23 at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. During the exercise, the missile system demonstrated its ability to intercept multiple aerial threats, including high-speed drones simulating hostile aircraft at varying ranges, altitudes, and profiles. Defence officials said all mission objectives were met and performance parameters validated under operational conditions.

The successful tests come amid a cluster of strategic milestones for India, including the test of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile and the launch of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, underscoring simultaneous advances across air, sea, and space domains.

From Akash to Akash-NG: Evolution of a missile system

The original Akash missile was developed in the 1990s and inducted into service in 2015 as a short-range surface-to-air missile with an effective range of around 25–30 km. Designed to counter aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles, it has been deployed operationally and exported, notably to Armenia.

Akash-NG represents a substantial technological upgrade rather than an incremental improvement. It is intended to address contemporary aerial threats such as low-flying cruise missiles, high-speed drones, and high-altitude targets. One of the most significant shifts is the move away from command guidance to an active radar homing seeker, allowing greater autonomy and precision during the terminal phase of interception.

Key technological upgrades in Akash-NG

Akash-NG has been entirely designed and developed by DRDO laboratories in collaboration with Indian industry partners, including Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited. According to officials familiar with the programme, the system incorporates several critical enhancements.

The missile’s range has been extended to approximately 70–80 km, nearly three times that of the original Akash, while achieving speeds of up to Mach 3.5. It uses a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, enabling better energy management across different phases of flight and improving performance against manoeuvring targets.

The indigenous radio-frequency seeker enables fire-and-forget capability, significantly reducing reliance on ground-based guidance once the missile is launched. Trial data show the system is capable of engaging both near-surface threats and high-altitude targets, with successful interceptions achieved using pilotless target aircraft.

Akash-NG is supported by a fully indigenous radar, command-and-control network, and mobile launchers. Importantly, it remains compatible with existing Akash infrastructure, simplifying upgrades and deployment across diverse terrains, from high-altitude border regions to coastal areas.

Strategic significance, industry response

Defence sources said the missile met all Performance Standard Qualitative Requirements specified by the Indian Army and Air Force, clearing the path for production and induction. Once deployed, Akash-NG is expected to strengthen India’s layered air defence architecture, complementing systems such as the S-400 and the indigenous medium-range surface-to-air missile.

The programme aligns closely with the government’s emphasis on defence self-reliance, reducing import dependence while strengthening domestic manufacturing capability. Market response reflected this confidence, with shares of Bharat Dynamics Limited rising after news of the successful trials.

Strategically, Akash-NG enhances deterrence along sensitive borders and improves India’s ability to counter evolving aerial threats from both state and non-state actors. Defence planners also see export potential for the system, building on international interest generated by earlier variants of the Akash missile family.