New Delhi. (01:04): The Indian Army’s Western Command successfully conducted a test-fire of the Akash surface-to-air missile system on Sunday. This routine exercise, part of the Indian Defense Forces’ regular drills, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s defense capabilities. Developed domestically by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Akash missile system underscores India’s commitment to the Self-reliant India mission.
The Akash system, a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, is a product of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) by DRDO. Alongside missiles like Nag, Agni, Trishul, and Prithvi, two versions of the Akash missile have been developed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army (IA). The IAF received its first batch of Akash missiles in May 2015, with the initial handover in March 2012 and formal induction in July 2015. Known for its capability to engage multiple airborne targets simultaneously, the Akash SAM system stands as a testament to India’s defense advancements.
