Akash Prime vs Patriot: Is missile developed by India better than weapon of US? Know their strengths and range
Akash Prime vs Patriot: Recent wars between Iran and Israel and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict have highlighted the need for a powerful air defence system that can protect crucial locations from suicide drones, fighter jets, and missiles. During the recent conflict with Pakistan, India showed its prowess by neutralising hundreds of drones and deadly missiles with its air defence systems, including the powerful S-400. In view of the importance, countries like the US, China, Israel, Russia, India, and Turkey are constantly strengthening the capabilities of their air defence systems. India is continuously making progress in making high-tech defence equipment and missile systems. An example of it is Akash Prime Air Defence System. Akash has already demonstrated its capabilities during the conflict with Pakistan, and now the country has also tested Akash Prime. Is it better than the United States' Patriot missile? Let's find out. Akash Prime vs Patriot: The Comparison?
Akash Prime Missile System
Akash Prime and Patriot PAC-3 missile systems, both have been made on the basis of their strategic needs and technological capabilities during the warfare. India has developed Akash to fortify and strengthen its borders. The missile systems is capable in performing in the harsh conditions of the Himalayas.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed Akash Prime missile system for the Indian Armed Forces under Make in India initiative. It is specifically designed to detect and destroy any aerial threat from China and Pakistan in the Himalayan region.
It is noteworthy that developing and installing air defence systems in mountainous regions is considered a challenging and expensive project. But on a contrary, Akash is highly mobile, easily transferable. It has impressive 100 precent accuracy at high altitudes.
Akash Prime missile system has been successfully tested at an altitude of 15,000 feet, proving the India's progress in the field of technology.
Patriot Missile System
On the other hand, America's needs are different. Patriot missile, especially its PAC-3 variant, is one of the most reliable weapons of America's multi-layer air defense shield, not today but since the Cold War.
Patriot has proved its prowess from the 1991 Gulf War to last month's missile attack by Iran on the US base in Qatar. Akash Prime vs Patriot: Range, Target and Technology
The range of Akash Prime is about 25 to 30 km and can intercept targets up to an altitude of 4,500 metres. It means that the missile system will destroy any aerial threat under 25 to 30 km. its Made in India radio frequency is capable of tracking high-speed targets such as fighter jets, drones and cruise missiles.
It can operate in harsh and oxygen-free environments, which is perfect for the Himalayan region.
On the other hand, Patriot PAC-3 has a range of about 35 km and an altitude of up to 15 km. it is loaded with 'hit-to-kill' technology, which means the missile destroys the target by hitting it, not just passing by it. Cost-Effectiveness
A Patriot battery is capable of protecting an area of 100–200 square km, but cost more than a billion dollars.
Hence, it is not practical and possible for every country to use the Patriot missile system. This system has been deployed in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Japan and Korea. While Akash Prime is cheaper than the Patriot system, making it more practical.
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