Akash-Ng missile

• A new generation of Akash surface-to-air missile was successfully flight-tested by the DRDO from an integrated test range off the Odisha coast in a boost to air defence capabilities.
• The missile was test-fired from a land-based platform and “flawless performance” of its weapons system was confirmed by the complete flight data.
• Once deployed, the Akash-NG weapon system will work as a force multiplier for the air defence capability of the IAF

Akash-ng Missile

• It is a surface-to-air Missile.
• It is a new variant of the Akash missile that can strike targets at a distance of around 60 km and fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5.
• Has High manoeuvrability to neutralise aerial threats

Akash missile system

• It is an all-weather medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by DRDO.
• The missile was developed under the integrated guided-missile development programme (IGMDP).
• Akash has over 96 per cent content indigenisation.
• It has a range of 25 Kms.
• The missile was inducted in 2014 in Indian Air Force (IAF) and in 2015 in Indian Army.
• It provides multidirectional and multitarget area defence.
• Akash missile can be launched from static or mobile platforms, such as battle tanks, providing flexible deployment.
• It can handle multiple targets and destroy manoeuvring targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), fighter aircraft, cruise missiles and missiles launched from helicopters.
• The Akash SAM system defends vulnerable areas from being attacked from low, medium and high altitudes.
• The missile is supported by Rajendra radar to guide the missile towards targets.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

• IGMDP was an Indian Ministry of Defence programme for the research and development of the comprehensive range of missiles.
• It was approved on July 26, 1983 to develop five missiles: Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Trishul and Nag
• The programme ended in 2008.