Akash-NG (New Generation)

Akash-NG (New Generation)

Type: air_defense

Domain: land

Country of Origin: India

Manufacturer: DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation)

Overview

Next-generation variant of India's indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system, featuring significant performance improvements over the original Akash and Akash-1S. Akash-NG (New Generation) features a more compact missile design with improved solid-fuel rocket motor and aerodynamics, extending range to 70+ km (compared to 25 km for Akash-1), reduced weight enabling higher missile loadout per launcher, active radar seeker replacing the original command guidance for true fire-and-forget capability and resistance to jamming, and improved warhead with proximity fuse. The system can engage aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and UAVs with high probability of kill. Reaction time under 10 seconds. Each battery includes a multifunction phased-array radar (3D CAR), command and control centre, and multiple launchers. The Akash-NG provides area air defence for the Indian Army and Air Force, protecting forward areas, air bases, and vital installations. Successfully tested against multiple target types. Orders placed for multiple squadrons to supplement and eventually replace the original Akash.

Technical Specifications

radar3D CAR multifunction phased array
range~30 km
speedMach 3.5+
targetsAircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, UAVs
altitude~18 km
guidanceActive radar seeker (fire-and-forget) + datalink

Operators

Related land Weapon Systems