Akash Prime Missile System

  • 19 Jul 2025

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India has successfully conducted a high-altitude trial of the Akash Prime surface-to-air missile system in Ladakh, marking a major step in strengthening indigenous air defence capabilities, particularly for mountainous and high-altitude terrains.

What is Akash Prime?

Akash Prime is an upgraded variant of the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed to operate efficiently in high-altitude, low-oxygen environments—ideal for India’s sensitive border regions like Ladakh and Sikkim.

Developers

  • DRDO – Lead developer
  • In collaboration with:
    • Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
    • Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Key Features

Feature

Description

Purpose

Neutralizes aerial threats like enemy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles

Altitude Performance

Successfully tested at 15,000 ft; engineered for deployment above 4,500 metres

Seeker Technology

Equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for precise target acquisition during terminal phase

Guidance System

Hybrid: Command guidance + terminal active homing

Range & Speed

Operates within 25–30 km range; travels at Mach 2.5

Mobility

Mounted on mobile platforms for rapid deployment across terrains

All-Weather Capability

Functions in extreme cold and low-density atmospheric conditions

Kill Probability

88% (single missile); up to 98.5% in dual-salvo mode

Operational Significance

  • High-Altitude Readiness: Specifically tailored for mountainous regions such as the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
  • Versatile Deployment: Protects mobile, semi-mobile, and fixed military installations.
  • Strategic Feedback Integration: Incorporates enhancements based on feedback from armed forces for use in vital installations.

Strategic Importance

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Fully indigenous system contributing to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduces dependency on imported air defence systems.
  • Force Multiplier: Strengthens India’s layered air defence network against modern aerial threats.