In a recent set of developments, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested the New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG) and the Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM). This follows their successful test-fire of the nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-P (Prime) in June, as well as the indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile systems ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’ in February 2021.
A Deeper Insight into Defence Research & Development Organisation
The DRDO is the Research & Development wing of the Ministry of Defence, Govt of India. It was established in 1958 with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies, following the amalgamation of the Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
Breaking Down the Akash Missile (Akash-NG)
This new variant of the Akash missile is a surface-to-air weapon that has the capacity to hit targets up to 60 km away and can fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5. The Akash-NG weapon system is expected to amplify the air defence capability of the Indian Air Force upon deployment.
The development and production of Akash-NG have been jointly carried out by the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad and other DRDO laboratories. Its production is overseen by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
The Original Akash Missile
Being the first indigenously produced medium-range Surface to Air missile of India, Akash boasts the ability to engage multiple targets from different directions. What sets it apart is its ability to be launched from mobile platforms like battle tanks or wheeled trucks.
With a kill probability of nearly 90%, the missile is supported by an indigenously developed radar called ‘Rajendra’. Despite being cheaper, the missile reportedly has better accuracy than US’ Patriot missiles due to its solid-fuel technology and advanced radars. It can engage targets flying at low, medium, and high altitudes.
Details on the Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile
Being a fire and forget, low weight missile, the Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile is designed to destroy tanks and other armoured vehicles. Embedded with a Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker and advanced avionics, it is launched using a tripod, capable of reaching targets within a range of 2.5 km and weighs less than 15 Kg.
The successful test of this missile has given the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign a significant boost and is expected to strengthen the Indian Army.
Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme
This programme was conceived by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to enable India attain self-sufficiency in the field of missile technology. It has led to the development of five missiles known as P-A-T-N-A:
1. Prithvi: A short-range surface to surface ballistic missile.
2. Agni: A collection of ballistic missiles with different ranges (Agni 1,2,3,4,5).
3. Trishul: A short-range low-level surface to air missile.
4. Nag: A 3rd generation anti-tank missile.
5. Akash: A medium-range surface to air missile.
These strides in missile technology place India at an advantageous position amidst global defence powers.