Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Akash Missile System

Mains level: Indigenization in Defence

akash missile

Central Idea

India demonstrated the firepower of its Akash surface-to-air (SAM) weapon system, where a single firing unit simultaneously engaged and destroyed four unmanned targets during the recent Exercise Astrashakti 2023.
Countries like Armenia, Brazil, and Egypt have shown interest in acquiring the Akash SAM.

About Akash Missile System

	Details
Development and Production	Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), produced by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL).
Type	Short-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM).
Engagement Capacity	Engages four aerial targets simultaneously at a range of 25 km from a single firing unit.
Target Engagement	Capable of targeting multiple threats concurrently in group or autonomous modes.
Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM)	Equipped to counter enemy jamming and evasion tactics.
Mobility and Agility	Configured on mobile platforms for rapid deployment and relocation.
Operational Use	In service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Range and Altitude	Effective range of 4.5 km to 25 km, with an altitude range of 100 meters to 20 km.
Physical Dimensions	Length: 5,870 mm; Diameter: 350 mm; Weight: 710 kg.
Automation and Response	Fully automated with quick response from target detection to neutralization.
System Architecture	Open-system architecture for adaptability to current and future air defense environments.

Comparison with Israel’s Iron Dome

Interception Capabilities: Akash is often compared to Israel’s Iron Dome due to its ability to intercept UAVs, smaller projectiles, helicopters, and aircraft.
Defensive Role: While similar to the Iron Dome, Akash is primarily designed for defense against larger aerial threats like aircraft, rather than small rockets.