Akash missile vs Akash-Prime: India has been investing big on its defence system following Operation Sindoor with Pakistan. Recently, Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visited the DRDO lab in Bengaluru signaling both seriousness and urgency in this direction.
This laboratory primarily focuses on radar and electronic warfare technologies.
In the latest development by the DRDO, a new version of Akash missile system, Akash-Prime, has been developed. But what is the basic difference between Akash and Akash-Prime?
Akash missile vs Akash-Prime
Akash missile, developed by DRDO in the 1980s, is India’s first indigenous medium-range surface-to-air (SAM) missile. Adopted by the Indian Air Force in 2014 and the Indian Army in 2015, it can target enemy aircraft, drones and cruise missiles up to 27-30 KM. With a speed of around 3000km/h, it can fly up to 18 kilometers. It can target multiple targets simultaneously and can be launched from mobile platform. Akash was used during the India-China border tension in 2020 and against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Whereas, Akash-Prime is an upgraded version of Akash, which was tested for the first time in 2021. It is specially designed to work in high altitude and cold areas. Akash-Prime is fitted with indigenous Active RF Seeker, which hits the target with greater accuracy, a facility which was not available in Akash. The range of 25-30 km and altitude of 18 km remains intact but accuracy has increased. It is especially useful for protection against aerial threats (drones, fighter jets) in sensitive areas like Ladakh.
Which is better?
Akash is already a proven system, which is the backbone of India’s air defence. But Akash-Prime takes it further. Its RF seeker and high altitude performance make it effective against new enemy weapons (such as Chinese drones). In areas like Ladakh, where there is less oxygen and more cold, the need for Akash-Prime is felt more.