The Akash Air Defence System is India’s indigenously developed medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. It plays a vital role in protecting the country from aerial threats.

Development and Objective

Akash was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under the Make in India initiative. Its main aim is to protect vulnerable areas and forces from enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles by filling the gap between short and long-range defence systems.

Key Features

* Range & Altitude: It can hit targets from 4.5 km to 25 km away and up to an altitude of 20 km.
* Speed: Travels at supersonic speed (Mach 1.8 to 2.5).
* Mobility: Mounted on road and rail mobile platforms, enabling quick movement and deployment.
* Guidance: Uses command guidance with integrated radar.
* Target Types: Effective against helicopters, fighter jets, UAVs, and cruise missiles.
* Operation: Fully automatic with quick reaction time, group or autonomous target engagement, and high jamming immunity due to built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM).
* Communication & Safety: Has secured communication links and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) for operational safety.

Significance

Akash has proven its capabilities during Operation Sindoor, where it successfully neutralised drone threats. Brazil’s recent interest in purchasing Akash and collaborating on defence manufacturing highlights its global export potential and strengthens India’s position as a defence exporter.

Overall, Akash enhances India’s air defence strength, supports self-reliance in defence technology, and builds international partnerships, ensuring better security and global recognition for Indian defence capabilities.