For the Akash-NG project, DRDO selected Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India, a private company, under Development cum Production Partner programme.[4] Akash-NG is the successor of Akash and Akash-1S series of missiles with improvements.[1]
With a canisterized launcher and a significantly reduced ground system footprint than the previous generation Akash SAM system, Akash-NG has been created for greater deployability.[5] In September 2016, approval was given for the development of the Akash-NG (New Generation), with funding of ₹470 crore (equivalent to ₹676 crore or US$81 million in 2023).[6]
Akash-NG will be more resilient to saturation attacks and have a quicker reaction time. The second stage's dual-pulse solid rocket motor is lighter than the air-breathingramjet engine found in the earlier generation Akash and Akash-1S missiles.[1] It assists in lessening the platform's weight and footprint. The missile's effectiveness against targets with low radar cross-section is enhanced by an active electronically scanned array Multi-Function Radar (MFR), while the optical proximity fuze offers superior anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities.[7][8]
The missile uses an Ku-band active radar seeker which was revealed to the public during Aero India 2021.[1]
According to Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India, Akash NG can function at elevations between 20° and 70° and at 360° azimuth. It takes ten minutes to reload two stacks of canisterized missiles. The system can fire one missile in ten seconds after the command-and-control unit acquires the target, and a salvo of three missiles can be fired in twenty seconds. The deployment time from transportation to ready-to-fire mode is less than 20 minutes.[9][10]
Ten targets can be engaged at once with Akash NG.[11] As per Janes Information Services, the range of interception is as high as 50–60 km.[12] DRDO increased the missile's operational range (from 25–30 km for the previous generation Akash to 70–80 km for the Akash-NG).[10][13]
Army version of Akash-NG missile test on 23 July 2021
On 25 January 2021, at around 2:30 p.m., the Defence Research and Development Organization successfully carried out the missile's maiden test against an electronic target from Launch Complex - III at the Integrated Test Range near Chandipur, Odisha.[10] The launch accomplished all test objectives by executing high-altitude maneuvers throughout its trajectory. During the trial, the effectiveness of the missile's aerodynamic configuration, onboard avionics, and Command and Control system were all successfully validated. In front of IAF representatives, a team comprising DRDO, BDL, and BEL conducted the test launch.[14]
On 21 July 2021, at approximately 12:45 p.m., the DRDO and IAF successfully carried out the missile's second test against an electronic target from Launch Complex - III at the Integrated Test Range near Chandipur, Odisha.[15] The missile proved to have the high maneuverability needed to neutralize swift and agile airborne threats throughout the test.[16]
Akash-NG for IAF was test fired against a fast-moving UAV.
DRDO successfully test-fired the Akash-NG surface-to-air missile air defence system off the coast of Odisha in Balasore at 11:45am IST on 23 July 2021. The test was carried out amidst inclement weather conditions proving the all-weather capability of the weapon system. The flight test has validated the functioning of complete weapon system consisting of the missile with indigenously developed RF Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control & Communication system.[13]
On 23 July 23 2021, at 11:45 a.m., DRDO successfully tested the Akash-NG off the coast of Odisha in Balasore. The weapon system's all-weather capability was demonstrated during the test, which was conducted in challenging circumstances. The entire weapon system, which includes the missile with the locally built radio frequency (RF) seeker, launcher, multi-function radar, and command, control, and communication system, has been verified to be operational by the flight test.[17]
On 26 April 2022, DRDO again successfully test fired Akash-NG at Pokhran.[18]
The Indian Air Force conducted a flight testing in 2023 against Meggitt Banshee from the Integrated Test Range with the goal of intercepting highly maneuverable, low radar cross section aerial threats.[5]
The Akash-NG was successfully tested by DRDO on 12 January 2024, in flight against a swiftly moving unmanned aerial vehicle at a very low altitude. The target's successful interception and annihilation confirmed that the entire armament system was operating as intended. Akash-NG is now ready for user trials.[19][20]
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