Akash-NG

• Name — Akash-NG • Origin — India • Type — Medium-range surface-to-air missile system • Is Ranged — yes • Is Missile — yes • Is Uk — yes • Used By — Indian Army Indian Air Force • Designer — Defence Research and Development Organisation • Design Date — 2021 • Manufacturer — * Bharat Dynamics Limited • Bharat Electronics • Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India • Developed From — Akash missile system • Speed — Mach 3 • Weight — 350 kg • Rate — * Normal: 1 missile in 10 seconds • Salvo: 3 missiles in 20 seconds • Elevation — 20–70° • Filling — Fragmentation • Detonation — Optical proximity fuze • Propellant — Solid fuel • Engine — Dual-pulse solid rocket motor • Ceiling — 18 km • Altitude — 0.030 -14 km • Guidance — Mid-course: INS + two-way datalink Terminal: ARH • Vehicle Range — 50 km

• Illustration — Akash-NG test on 23 July 2021 amid adverse weather • On 25 January 2021, at around 2:30 pm, the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully carried out the missile's maiden test against an electronic target from Launch Complex-III (LC-3) at the Integrated Test Range near Chandipur, Odisha. The launch accomplished all test objectives by executing high-altitude maneuvers throughout its trajectory. During the trial, the effectiveness of the missile's aerodynamic configuration, onboard avionics, and Command and Control system were all successfully validated in the presence of IAF representatives. Production agencies including Bharat Electronics, and Bharat Dynamics Limited participated in the trials. • On 21 July 2021, at approximately 12:45 p.m., the DRDO successfully carried out the missile's second test against an electronic target from LC-3 at the ITR. The missile proved to have the high maneuverability needed to neutralize swift and agile airborne threats throughout the test. The test included the entire Akash NG Weapon System including the Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control & Communication system. The systems were operated by BEL and BDL and the trial was observed by an IAF team. • On 23 July 2021, at 11:45 am, DRDO successfully tested the Akash-NG from LC-3 at the ITR. The missile, equipped with an indigenous RF seeker, intercepted a high-speed unmanned aerial target. The test conducted in challenging weather conditions demonstrated the weapon system's all-weather capability. The entire weapon system was deployed and validated during the test. • Akash-NG was successfully flight tested against Meggitt Banshee from the Integrated Test Range in January, February, and November of 2023 with the goal of intercepting highly maneuverable, low radar cross section aerial threats. • Illustration — Akash-NG test fired from an IAF launcher against a fast-moving, low-altitude UAV in 2024 • The Akash-NG was successfully tested by DRDO on 12 January 2024, in flight against a swiftly moving unmanned aerial vehicle at a very low altitude. The target's successful interception and annihilation confirmed that the entire weapon system was operating as intended. Akash-NG is now ready for user trials. • During the user trials of the Akash-NG, an EOTS mission was conducted in June 2025. As part of the tests, the missile was fired from Chandipur test range based on inputs from an electro-optical tracking system. The target, a high-speed maneuvering Banshee, was successfully engaged. The validation allows the EOTS to function as a complement as well as a replacement to the radar systems since the latter is vulnerable to anti-radiation missile and cruise missile. The new generation-EOTS, developed by IRDE, will function as a passive missile guidance. • On 23 December 2025, Akash-NG completed its final user evaluation trials (UET) and is ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces. During the trials, the missile intercepted aerial targets at various heights and ranges including near boundary, low altitude, long range and high altitude scenarios. The user trials was witnessed by officials from DRDO and the Indian Air Force. The missile's accuracy, response, and consistency in a range of operational envelopes have been proven through these engagements.

In August 2024, the Brazilian and Indian specialized media reported an ongoing negotiation between the Brazilian military and DRDO for a Akash-NG deal within the Brazilian Army's medium and long range surface-to-air missile program. A Brazilian delegation is set to visit India in August to discuss the deal. As of 7 July 2025, the negotiations between the Brazilian Army and Akash-NG fabricants is paralyzed in favour of an ongoing negotiation between the Army and MBDA, for the supply of the Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions medium range SAM system, in a contract valued at US$1 billion (R$5 billion).

• Indian Air Force — Planned