Athira Sethu
Kochi, 16 May 2025
India’s capability to counter multiple airborne threats during Operation Sindoor has focused the attention on its home-grown Akash missile system, one of the major assets of the nation’s air defense posture. Designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Akash is a short- to medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) that has been pivotal in safeguarding Indian airspace from adversary drones, planes, and missiles.
Made in India, for India’s Security:
The Akash missile is 96% indigenous and ranks as one of the most indigenously developed sophisticated weapon systems in the nation. It is operated by the Indian Air Force (since 2014) and the Indian Army (since 2015). The system contains a mobile launcher, radar posts, and a command and control center—aspect that renders it highly mobile and rapidly deployable.
Government sector defense companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) produce the Akash system. Over 250 Indian companies also participate in its production, presenting a strong testament of defense cooperation under the Make in India regime.
Demonstrated Capabilities in Actual Combat:
Akash can attack up to six airborne targets at distances of 45 km and altitudes of 20 km with speeds of Mach 2.5. Its radar-based system can engage and destroy multiple incoming threats simultaneously, such as low-altitude drones and stealth planes, which are generally more difficult to detect.
In Operation Sindoor, Pakistan initiated intensive aerial attacks employing drones and missiles. The Akash system was the focal point in effectively intercepting the threats, proving its worth and reliability in actual warfare.
Enlarged Portfolio: Akash Prime and Akash-NG:
DRDO is in the process of upgrading the capabilities of the missile. The Akash Prime version is more capable in harsh weather and high-altitude areas, best suited for deployment in border regions such as Ladakh. It features a new indigenous seeker for better targeting.
The Akash-NG (New Generation) is meant to neutralize stealthier, high-speed airborne targets with better radar-evading features. It also has a longer range of up to 70 km, less weight, and more mobility because of a smaller logistics footprint.
Export Potential and Strategic Value:
In 2020, India gave its go-ahead for exports of Akash missiles, as there was high demand from friendly countries. The export variant is being tailored for foreign customers while retaining sensitive components for domestic applications.
The success of Akash proves India’s willingness to move away from the status of a defense importer and become a worldwide supplier of advanced defense systems, with scope for public-private ventures, foreign cooperation, and development of domestic defense production.
The Akash missile system is not only a success in the military realm; it is also a business and strategic achievement for India. It reflects India’s technological maturity, manufacturing capabilities, and defense export abilities, which are crucial for investors and stakeholders in India’s burgeoning defense industry.
