DRDO successfully test-fired the new version of the Akash
29, May 2019
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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.