Why this matters now
Akash is tested for: IGMDP genesis (one of 5 PADAT/PANT projects); IAF induction 25 July 2014 by Defence Min Arun Jaitley at Gwalior; Akash-NG (Next Generation, 70 km range) under development; Akash-Prime (improved seeker for HALE targets); $720 million Armenia deal (1st export); Akash 1S variant with active radar seeker; deployed against Pakistani drones during Op Sindoor May 2025.
Akash variants
| Variant | Range | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Akash Mk-I | 25-30 km | IAF induction 25 July 2014, Army Aug 2015 |
| Akash Mk-IS / Akash 1S | 30-35 km | Active radar seeker; 30 km enhanced; in service 2019 |
| Akash-Prime | 30 km | Improved seeker for high-altitude / low-temperature ops (Ladakh); 1st test 27 Sept 2021 |
| Akash-NG (Next Generation) | 70-80 km | Canisterised, dual pulse motor; 1st test 21 July 2021; 4 successful tests by 2024 |
Capabilities: Mach 2.5+ speed; engages aircraft + UAVs + cruise missiles + air-to-surface missiles + ballistic missiles; uses solid-fuel ramjet engine; tracks 64 targets, engages 12 simultaneously per squadron.
Army induction
The Akash Mk-I entered Indian Army service on 5 August 2015 with the Army Air Defence Corps. Initial 2 regiments at Gwalior. Each regiment: 6 launchers + 30 missiles + Rajendra phased-array radar + 3DCAR central acquisition radar + ECCM system. The Army has 4 Akash regiments (~Rs 14,180 crore order); IAF has 8 squadrons.
Akashteer (Air Defence Control + Reporting System): DRDO-BEL integrated automated C2 that links Akash + Rohini + Indra + Anti-Drone + future Project Kusha + S-400 systems. Operational since 2024.
Exports
- Armenia: 1st export. $720 million / Rs 6000 crore deal signed September 2024 for 15 firing batteries to counter Azerbaijan’s Turkish-supplied Bayraktar TB-2 drones. Deliveries from 2025.
- Philippines: $300 million talks ongoing 2024-25.
- Brazil: announced interest at DefExpo 2022.
- Vietnam + Indonesia + Egypt + Botswana: discussions.
India’s defence exports policy: $5 billion target for FY24 (achieved >$2.6 billion); BrahMos + Akash + Pinaka + Tejas are key export products. Defence Industrial Corridors: UP (Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi) + TN (Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem, Tiruchi).
UPSC angle
Know AKASH SAM — indigenous medium-range SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE; DRDO IGMDP 1983 (one of 5 Prithvi-Agni-Akash-Trishul-Nag); IAF INDUCTION 25 JULY 2014 Gwalior Def Min Arun Jaitley; ARMY INDUCTION 5 AUGUST 2015 Air Defence Corps Gwalior (Rs 14180 cr 4 regiments, each = 6 launchers + 30 missiles + Rajendra phased-array radar + 3DCAR + ECCM); IAF 8 squadrons; AKASH MK-I 25-30 km; AKASH 1S enhanced 30 km active radar seeker 2019; AKASH-PRIME high-altitude/low-temp Ladakh 1st test 27 Sept 2021; AKASH-NG NEXT GENERATION 70-80 km canisterised dual pulse motor 1st test 21 July 2021 (4 successful by 2024); Mach 2.5+; engages aircraft+UAV+cruise+ASM+BM; solid-fuel ramjet; tracks 64 engages 12/sqn; AKASHTEER DRDO-BEL automated C2 2024 links Akash+Rohini+Indra+Anti-Drone+S-400+future Project Kusha; ARMENIA 1ST EXPORT $720 MILLION / Rs 6000 cr September 2024 for 15 firing batteries (counter Azerbaijan Bayraktar TB-2); Philippines $300 mn talks; Brazil DefExpo 2022 interest; defence exports target FY24 $5 bn (achieved >$2.6 bn); DEFENCE INDUSTRIAL CORRIDORS UP (Lucknow+Kanpur+Agra+Aligarh+Chitrakoot+Jhansi) + TN (Chennai+Coimbatore+Hosur+Salem+Tiruchi).
Frequently asked questions
What is Akash SAM?
India’s indigenous medium-range surface-to-air missile system from DRDO — one of the 5 IGMDP 1983 projects (PADAT — Prithvi/Agni/Akash/Trishul/Nag).
When was Akash inducted?
IAF on 25 July 2014 (8 squadrons total); Army on 5 August 2015 (4 regiments).
Who is the first export customer of Akash?
Armenia — signed a $720 million deal in September 2024 for 15 firing batteries. Deliveries from 2025 to counter Azerbaijani Bayraktar TB-2 drones.
What is Akashteer?
A DRDO-BEL automated air-defence command-and-control system that integrates Akash + Rohini + Indra + Anti-Drone + S-400 + future Project Kusha. Operational 2024.