CONTEXT:

• The Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired the new version of the Akash surface-to-air defence missile system with a new indigenously-developed seeker in Balasore off the Odisha coast on 27 May.
• This is the second successful test of the missile.
• The medium range multi-target engagement capable missile was developed as part of the Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) other than Nag, Agni, Trishul, and Prithvi missiles.

BACKGROUND:

• The supersonic missile has a range of around 25 km and up to the altitude of 18,000 metres.
• The missile uses high-energy solid propellant for the booster and ramjet-rocket propulsion for the sustainer phase.
• The missile system is said to be highly mobile.
• Several variants of the missile, Akash MK1, Akash-MK2, with improved accuracy and higher ranges are under development by the DRDO.