Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) completes user evaluation trials of Akash-NG missile system

Key facts

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile system, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Armed Forces. Quote: "The DRDO on Tuesday 'successfully completed' user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash missile system, paving the way for its induction into the armed forces, officials said."
• The Akash-NG system met all Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) and demonstrated high precision against high-speed, low-altitude, and long-range high-altitude targets. Quote: "User evaluation trials of Akash NG missile successfully completed today, meeting all PSQR requirements... The system demonstrated high precision against diverse aerial threats, including high-speed, low-altitude and long-range high-altitude targets."
• The missile system is equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and Control and Command (C2) systems. Quote: "Equipped with an indigenous RF seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and C2 systems, Akash-NG marks a major boost to India's air defence capability."
• During the trials, the DRDO successfully intercepted aerial targets at various ranges and altitudes, including near-boundary-low-altitude scenarios. Quote: "During the trials, the missiles successfully intercepted aerial targets at different ranges and altitudes, 'including the near-boundary-low-altitude and long-range, high-altitude scenarios,' the DRDO said."