Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) announced that a new version of the Akash missile – “Akash Prime” has been successfully flight tested from integrated test range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
The missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking enemy aircraft, in its maiden flight test after improvements.
DRDO said that in comparison to the existing Akash system, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active radio frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy.
“Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low-temperature environments at higher altitudes,” the organization said.
DRDO noted that a modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system has been used for the current flight test.
“The range stations of ITR comprising radars, electro-optical tracking system (EOTS) and telemetry stations monitored the missile trajectory and flight parameters,” it added.