India Unveils Upgraded Akash Missile with Enhanced Capabilities
India's Akash missile system receives a significant upgrade, boosting range and stealth for air defense.
Photo by ANIRUDH
त्वरित संशोधन
Akash missile system has been upgraded.
New version features better range and sleeker profile.
Developed by DRDO.
Incorporates new seeker, improved propulsion, and compact design.
Akash is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile system.
दृश्य सामग्री
Evolution of Akash Missile System: From IGMDP to Upgraded Version
This timeline illustrates the journey of India's Akash missile system, from its inception under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) to its recent significant upgrade, highlighting key milestones in India's indigenous defence capabilities.
The Akash missile system is a testament to India's long-term commitment to self-reliance in defence, originating from the visionary IGMDP. Its continuous upgrades demonstrate DRDO's capability to evolve and modernize critical defence assets, aligning with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
- 1983Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) launched, including Akash project.
- 1990First successful test flight of Akash missile.
- 2007Production order placed for Akash missile systems.
- 2012Akash missile system inducted into the Indian Air Force.
- 2015Akash missile system inducted into the Indian Army.
- 2019Successful test firing of Akash-1S, an upgraded version with a new indigenous seeker.
- 2021Cabinet approves export of Akash missile system, boosting 'Make in India' defence exports.
- 2025India unveils Upgraded Akash Missile with enhanced capabilities (better range, sleeker profile, advanced seeker, improved propulsion).
Upgraded Akash Missile: Nexus with India's Defence Strategy
This mind map illustrates how the recent upgrade of the Akash missile system connects to broader strategic objectives of India, including DRDO's role, indigenous defence, missile technology advancements, and its overall strategic impact.
Upgraded Akash Missile (Dec 2025)
- ●DRDO's Pivotal Role
- ●Indigenous Defence & Self-Reliance
- ●Advancements in Missile Technology
- ●Strategic & Security Impact
पृष्ठभूमि संदर्भ
वर्तमान प्रासंगिकता
मुख्य बातें
- •Understand the Akash missile's role in India's defense.
- •Note the key improvements in the upgraded version (range, stealth, seeker, propulsion).
- •Recognize the importance of indigenous defense development.
परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Technological advancements in defense (Science & Tech)
India's strategic autonomy and self-reliance (Security, International Relations)
Role of DRDO and indigenous R&D (Governance, Economy)
Impact on regional security dynamics (International Relations)
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
India has successfully upgraded its indigenously developed Akash missile system, now featuring a better range and a sleeker profile. This new version, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), incorporates advanced technologies like a new seeker, improved propulsion, and a more compact design.
The upgrade enhances the missile's ability to intercept aerial threats at longer distances and with greater stealth, making it a more potent air defense weapon. This development is a significant step towards bolstering India's self-reliance in defense technology and modernizing its armed forces.
पृष्ठभूमि
India's journey in missile technology began significantly with the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) launched in 1983 under Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
This program aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in missile technology, leading to the development of a range of missiles including Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, and Akash. The Akash missile system, a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile, has been a cornerstone of India's air defense capabilities, inducted into both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Akash missile system: 1. It is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). 2. The upgraded version incorporates a new seeker and improved propulsion, enhancing its ability to intercept aerial threats at longer distances. 3. It primarily uses solid propellant rocket motors for propulsion, providing high thrust for initial acceleration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statement 1 is correct. Akash is indeed a medium-range surface-to-air missile developed under IGMDP. Statement 2 is correct, as per the news summary, the upgraded version features a new seeker and improved propulsion for enhanced range and interception capabilities. Statement 3 is incorrect. Akash missile uses an integrated ramjet-rocket propulsion system, not primarily solid propellant rocket motors, which allows it to maintain high speeds over longer ranges.
2. In the context of missile technology, which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between different types of seekers and propulsion systems? 1. An 'active radar seeker' emits its own radar signals to detect and track targets, while a 'semi-active radar seeker' relies on external illumination of the target. 2. A 'ramjet engine' can operate from a standstill, whereas a 'scramjet engine' requires supersonic speeds to start its operation. 3. The 'Akash' missile system's upgrade to a new seeker primarily aims at improving its stealth capabilities rather than target acquisition accuracy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statement 1 is correct. Active radar seekers have their own radar transmitter and receiver, making them 'fire-and-forget'. Semi-active radar seekers require a ground or airborne radar to 'paint' the target for the missile to home in on. Statement 2 is incorrect. Both ramjet and scramjet engines require an initial high speed (typically provided by a rocket booster) to start operating, as they rely on the forward motion to compress incoming air. Ramjets operate at supersonic speeds (Mach 2-6), while scramjets operate at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+). Neither can operate from a standstill. Statement 3 is incorrect. While a sleeker profile might enhance stealth, the primary aim of a new seeker is to improve target acquisition, tracking, and accuracy, as stated in the news summary ('new seeker... enhances the missile's ability to intercept aerial threats').
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding India's efforts towards self-reliance in defense technology?
- A.The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was instrumental in developing a range of indigenous missile systems like Prithvi, Agni, and Nag.
- B.DRDO is the primary agency responsible for research and development of defense technologies, including missile systems, for the Indian armed forces.
- C.The 'Make in India' initiative in defense aims to reduce import dependence and encourage domestic manufacturing through private sector participation.
- D.BrahMos is an entirely indigenous cruise missile system developed by DRDO, showcasing India's complete self-sufficiency in cruise missile technology.
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: D
Statement A, B, and C are correct. IGMDP was a landmark program, DRDO is the apex R&D body, and 'Make in India' promotes indigenization. Statement D is NOT correct. BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed as a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. While it has significant Indian content and is a major achievement, it is not 'entirely indigenous' and does not represent 'complete self-sufficiency' without foreign collaboration, especially in its initial development.