What is Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM)?

About Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM):

• It is a Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile system to protect vulnerable areas and vulnerable points from air attacks.
• It was indigenously designed and developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is produced by Hyderabad-based Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL). 
• It is designed to protect vulnerable areas from multifarious air threats.
• It has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles, as well as ballistic missiles.
• It is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
• Features:
  • It is 5.8 m long, has a diameter of 350 mm and a wingspan of 1,105mm. 
  • It has a launch weight of 720 kg.
  • The missile can fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5 and has a height ceiling of 18 km. 
  • It can target aircraft up to 45 km away.
  • The most important element of the Akash SAM system battery is its high-power, multi-function Rajendra phased array radar.
    • The 3D passive electronically scanned array Rajendra radar (PESA) can electronically scan and guide the missile towards targets. It provides information on the range, azimuth, and height of a flying target.
  • The AKASH Weapon System can simultaneously engage Multiple Targets in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode.
  • It has built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features.
  • Guidance System: Command Guidance
  • It is fully automatic, with a quick response time from target detection to kill.
  • The entire weapon system has been configured on mobile platforms.
  • It has an open-system architecture that ensures adaptability to existing and futuristic air defence environments.

Q1: What is the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)?

DRDO is the R&D wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems, while equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in accordance with requirements laid down by the three Services. DRDO was formed in 1958 by merging the then-existing Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).

Source: Indian ‘Iron Dome’ Akash SAM Competes Against Chinese ‘Sky Dragon’ For Brazilian Missile Deal