New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG), a surface-to-air Missile from Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the coast of Odisha today. The flight trial was conducted at around 12:45 pm from a land-based platform with all weapon system elements such as Multifunction Radar, Command, Control and Communication System and launcher participating in deployment configuration.
The DRDO also today successfully flight-tested indigenously developed low weight, fire and forget Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM). The missile hit the target in direct attack mode and destroyed it with precision. and the test validated the minimum range successfully. The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics. The test brings the development of indigenous third generation man portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile close to completion.
Meanwhile, the Akash-NG missile system has been developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories. The launch was witnessed by the representatives of Indian Air Force. In order to capture flight data, ITR deployed a number of Range stations like, Electro Optical Tracking System, Radar and Telemetry. The flawless performance of the entire weapon system has been confirmed by complete flight data captured by these systems. During the test, the missile demonstrated high manoeuvrability required for neutralising fast and agile aerial threats.
Once deployed, the Akash-NG weapon system will prove to be a force multiplier for the air defence capability of the Indian Air Force. Production agencies Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) also participated in the trials, the Ministry of Defence stated here today.
Also read: India successfully conducts maiden launch of Akash-NG (New Generation) Missile
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, BDL, BEL, Indian Air Force and the Industry for the successful test. Secretary Department of Defence Research & Development and Chairman DRDO applauded the efforts of the team and said the missile will strengthen the Indian Air Force.
– global bihari bureau
