New Delhi: India has achieved a key milestone in its defence capabilities with the successful high-altitude trial of the Akash Prime air defence missile system. The advanced version of the Akash Weapon System successfully neutralised two high-speed unmanned aerial targets in Ladakh, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday.
Specifically developed for the Indian Army, Akash Prime is tailored to operate in challenging conditions above 4,500 metres. The missile system features several enhancements, including an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, to boost precision and performance.
The trial was part of the First of Production Model (FoPM) firing and represents a critical step towards the system’s induction into frontline service. It significantly strengthens India’s air defence capabilities in mountainous and high-altitude regions.
The test was a collaborative effort involving the Indian Army’s Air Defence units, DRDO, and defence public sector undertakings like Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited, along with several private industry partners.
The ministry noted that the upgrades in Akash Prime were based on extensive user feedback to ensure the system meets modern battlefield requirements. This aligns with the broader effort to create a robust ecosystem for indigenously developed defence technologies.
This achievement follows the recent successful deployment of indigenous air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, further highlighting India’s growing proficiency in missile technology and air defence systems. It also enhances the country’s position in the global defence market.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Army, DRDO, and the entire defence manufacturing ecosystem, calling the successful trial a “major boost to India’s air defence capabilities in high-altitude regions”.
DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat, who is also Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, praised the team behind the successful test, affirming that Akash Prime meets India’s critical defence needs in strategically sensitive areas.
The success of Akash Prime is a major stride forward in India’s self-reliance in defence and its preparedness to secure high-altitude frontiers.
