Why in the News?
India successfully tested the Akash Prime Missile System in Ladakh, neutralizing two high-speed aerial targets at high altitude.
About Akash Prime:
- What It Is: Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system.
- High-Altitude Capability: Designed to operate effectively above 4,500 metres.
- Development: Developed by DRDO with BDL, BEL, and Army Air Defence.
- Operational Use: Proven in Operation Sindoor against aerial threats.
- Production Trials: Validated through First of Production Model (FoPM) firing trials.
- Deployment: Already in use at IAF bases and forward posts along the LAC in Ladakh.
Key Features:
- Seeker Upgrade: Equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for better accuracy.
- Altitude Adaptability: Engineered for high-altitude, cold-climate operations.
- Multi-Target Engagement: Capable of engaging multiple aerial threats at once.
- Speed & Accuracy: Travels at Mach 2.5 with up to 90% kill probability.
- Electronic Warfare: Equipped with ECCM features to resist electronic jamming.
- Radar Integration: Uses Rajendra radar for detection, targeting, and tracking.
- Operational Range: Effective engagement range of 25–30 km.
Other Variants of Akash:
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| [UPSC 2009] In the context of Indian defence, consider the following statements:
1. The Shourya missile flies with a speed of more than 8 Mach. 2. The range of Shourya missile is more than 1600 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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