India claims to be the first country to simultaneously engage multiple flying targets at 25 kilometer (15 mile) ranges with a single firing unit.
According to an announcement by the country’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the milestone was achieved during the recent Astrashakti military exercise.
During the live-fire drill, a radar capable of tracking hostile assets within 150 kilometers (93 miles) detected four unmanned aerial targets approaching simultaneously from one direction.
The targets then split up to simulate an attack from multiple directions but remained in close formation.
The radar tracked the targets and coordinated with a control center to deploy four Akash surface-to-air missiles from two launchers.
The successful demonstration is expected to solidify the country’s air defense capabilities as it faces threats along its border with China.
India became first country to demonstrate the capability of engagement of 04 aerial targets simultaneously at 25Km ranges by command guidance using single firing unit. The test was conducted by @IAF_MCC using Akash Weapon System @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/ut2FDzVd64
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) December 17, 2023
The Akash Missile
Produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited, the Akash missile is considered an integral part of India’s air defense arsenal.
In service with the Indian Air Force since 2009, the weapon is primarily designed to safeguard vulnerable areas from aerial attacks.
One unit consists of a control center, an integral mission guidance system, a multifunctional fire control radar, and a system arming and explosion mechanism.
Using conventional or nuclear warheads, the Akash can engage maneuvering targets at a maximum altitude of 18,000 meters (59,055 feet).
India recently secured an export contract for the Akash system for an unspecified country, according to the DRDO.
