Bhubaneshwar: In a significant achievement, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, on January 12, 2024, at 10:30 AM.
According to the Government released, the test targeted a high-speed unmanned aerial target flying at a very low altitude. During the test, the weapon system intercepted and destroyed the target, affirming the efficacy of the complete system, including the missile with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar, and Command, Control & Communication system.
The performance of the system was further validated through data captured by various Radars, Telemetry, and Electro Optical Tracking Systems deployed by ITR, Chandipur. Senior officials from DRDO, Indian Air Force (IAF), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) were present to witness the successful flight-test. The AKASH-NG system represents a cutting-edge missile system with the capability to intercept high-speed and agile aerial threats. This successful test has paved the way for upcoming User trials, it added.
As per the report, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh commended DRDO, IAF, PSUs, and the Industry for the successful flight-test, emphasizing that the system’s development will significantly enhance the country’s air defense capabilities. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, also extended congratulations to the teams involved in the triumphant flight test of AKASH-NG.