Akash Mk1/Mk1S SAM
Type: Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System
Domain: land
Country of Origin: India
Manufacturer: DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation)
First Deployed: 2014
Overview
The Akash is India first indigenously developed surface-to-air missile system, providing short-to-medium range air defense for the Indian Army and Air Force. The Rajendra phased-array radar guides up to three missiles simultaneously against four targets. The Mk1S variant adds an RF seeker for improved accuracy and reduced dependence on the ground radar for terminal guidance. With 1,000+ missiles ordered, Akash forms a significant portion of India air defense architecture alongside MRSAM and S-400. Each battery comprises the Rajendra battery-level radar, a surveillance radar, a control center, and four self-propelled launchers each carrying 3 missiles. The system defends against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and UAVs within 25 km.
Technical Specifications
| radar | Rajendra phased array (battery-level) |
|---|---|
| range | ~25 km |
| speed | Mach 2.5 |
| altitude | ~18 km |
| guidance | Rajendra PESA radar + command guidance; Mk1S adds RF seeker |
| manufacturer | DRDO / BDL |
| simultaneous_targets | 4 |
| missiles_per_launcher | 3 |
Operators
- Indian Army
- Indian Air Force
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