NEW DELHI: India successfully flight-tests new version of Akash missile

NEW DELHI: A new version of the Akash
missile was successfully flight-tested on Monday from the integrated test range
at Chandipur in Odisha, officials said.
The missile – ‘Akash Prime’ – intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial
target mimicking an enemy aircraft in its maiden flight test, they said

The flight testing took place at
around 4.30 pm, the officials said.

“In comparison to the
existing Akash system, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active RF
seeker for improved accuracy. Other improvements also ensure more reliable
performance under a low-temperature environment at higher altitudes,” said
an official.

The modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system was for the
flight test. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Army, Indian Air Force and
other stakeholders on the successful trial of the Akash prime missile.

He said the successful flight test proves the competence of the DRDO in
designing and developing world-class missile systems.

DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy
also congratulated the team involved in the successful flight trial of the
missile.

He said Akash Prime system will further boost the
confidence of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force as the Akash system is
already inducted and now getting improved with more lethal missiles.