Latest news with #AkashPrime
India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Akash Prime vs Patriot: Is missile developed by India better than weapon of US? Know their strengths and range
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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First Post
3 days ago
- Science
- First Post
Akash Prime: How India's latest weapon system strengthens its arsenal and sends signal to China and Pakistan
Akash Prime is a high-altitude version of the indigenously-designed and developed Akash surface-to-air missile system. The missile is designed to operate in extremely cold weather and at high-altitudes – above 14,000 feet. It features several upgrades including an indigenously-developed radio frequency seeker. The test, which comes after Operation Sindoor, is a message to both China and Pakistan. Let's take a closer look read more The Akash Prime weapons system was successfully test-fired at Ladakh. PTI India successfully test fired its new version of the Akash surface-to-air missile system. The new weapon, known as Akash Prime, was tested at Ladakh. Manufactured by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash surface-to-air missile system's performance was lauded during Operation Sindoor – which India conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. It is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system that can take out fighters, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. What is Akash Prime? What do we know about the upgraded missile? And why is it successful test-firing significant? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look What is it? What happened? Akash Prime is a high-altitude version of the indigenously-designed and developed Akash surface-to-air missile system. The missile is designed to operate in extremely cold weather and at high-altitudes – above 14,000 feet. It features several upgrades including an indigenously-developed radio frequency seeker. This not only increases the Akash Prime's accuracy, but also afford it 360-degree capability to engage with enemy missiles. It also has a modified ground systems and radars that gives it a 30-kilometre radius. A staff cleans Akash, a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Akash played a significant role in Operation Sindoor, thwarting Pakistan's rain of drones and missiles. File image/AFP New Delhi is also testing the Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles. That compares favourably to the 25-kilometre radius of the Akash weapon system. It is mounted on a mobile platform, which allows it to be deployed quickly. The Army Air Defence and DRDO conducted the test on Wednesday at an altitude of over 15,000 feet. The test was conducted in the presence of Indian Army and industry officials. The missiles successfully took out two quick-moving aerial targets. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said, 'Based on the operational feedbacks from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its first test occurred on September 27, 2021, at Chandipur's Integrated Test Range. Why is it successful test-firing significant? This is a message to both China and Pakistan. India during Operation Sindoor used the Akash system to shoot down Pakistan's Chinese-made drones and Turkish-made loitering munitions. India, which has had border conflicts with both nations, has designed the Akash system to specifically function at high altitudes. Army Air Defence is now raising two regiments of Akash Prime system – which will likely be the third and fourth regiments in India's Akash defence system. It will be deployed along the border and mountainous areas and could prove an effective deterrence for both China and Pakistan. The Akash Prime surface-to-air system isn't the only one being prepped. India is also working on its Akash NG (Next-generation) variant. Both these short-range ballistic missiles were successfully test-fired from Odisha's Integrated Test Range by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) on Thursday. 'Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - Prithvi-II and Agni-I - were successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha on July 17, 2025,' the Defence Ministry said in a statement. 'The launches validated all operational and technical parameters. These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The SFC controls India's nuclear assets under the triad – the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The Agni-I is a two-stage solid propellant missile. It is nuclear capable and has a range of around 700 kilometres to 900 kilometres. It can be launched by road and rail and can carry a payload of 1,000 kilos. The Prithvi-II, meanwhile, has a range of around 250 to 300 kilometres. It uses a liquid propulsion system and advanced inertial navigation technology that allows it to efficiently take out its targets. It was developed by the DRDO under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), which was launched in 1982 by the defence ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Defence exports surged from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24 –a 30-fold increase over the past decade. PTI The Prithvi-II can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. Unlike the Agni-I, it uses a liquid propulsion system. It is equipped with advanced inertial navigation technology for precision targeting. Some say this constitutes some strategic messaging to Pakistan soon after Operation Sindoor. It is also yet another string in India's impressive bow of weapons when it comes to air defence and gives a fillip to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' push. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some countries including Brazil, Philippines and Egypt have also expressed interest in the Akash system after seeing its impressive performance during the conflict. Armenia earlier purchased the Akash weapons system. This would give a fillip to India's defence exports, which has already seen a 30-fold increase over the past decade – from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24. Defence exports grew from Rs 4,312 crore in the 2004-14 decade to Rs 88,319 crore in the 2014-24 decade – a 21-fold increase. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India successfully test-fires Prithvi-II and Agni-1 ballistic missiles from Odisha range
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel India successfully test-fired Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM), Prithvi-II and Agni-I, from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha's Chandipur, the Ministry of Defence said in an official launches took place on Thursday, during which all operational and technical parameters were tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces July 16, India achieved a significant milestone by successfully destroying two Aerial high-speed unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh by Akash Prime, the upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System for the Indian weapon system is customised to operate at altitudes above 4,500 meters and has the latest upgrades, including an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, as per the on the operational feedback from users, various upgrades have been made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon to the statement, Army Air Defence and DRDO, in conjunction with Defence PSUs such as Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited , and other Industry Partners, have successfully validated the indigenously designed and developed Akash Prime Weapon System The trials were done as part of the First of Production Model firing trial and will further enable timely induction and enhance the Air Defence potential in high-altitude frontiers of the country, as per the achievement carries added significance as it follows the exceptional performance of India's indigenously developed air defence systems during Operation marks a major step forward for the nation's missile development programs, which are now gaining increasing attention in the global defence to the release, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented the Indian Army, DRDO, and the industry on this remarkable achievement. He described the success as a significant boost to India's Air Defence capabilities, particularly for meeting high-altitude operational to the statement, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO Samir V Kamat, congratulated the teams associated with the successful test and stated that the missile has met the country's critical air defence requirements for high altitude.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Trump Appointing Special Counsel For Epstein Case Amid MAGA Turmoil? White House Responds I FULL
Indian Army Conducts 'Akash Prime' Air Defence System Trials At 15,000 Feet In Ladakh Indian army successfully tested the Akash Prime air defence system at over 15,000 feet in the Ladakh sector, officials confirmed. The tests were carried out in the presence of officials from the Army Air Defence and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). During the trials, the surface-to-air missiles scored two direct hits on fast-moving target aircraft in a high-altitude zone with thin air.#akashprime #indianarmy #drdo #ladakh #airdefence #madeinindia #missiles #indiandefence #operationsindoor #militarytech #aatmanirbharbharat #toi #toibharat 4.4K views | 1 day ago
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
India tests new weapons system for China border
Representative photo NEW DELHI: The Indian Army will soon begin inducting two regiments of the Akash Prime surface-to-air missiles designed for air defence in high-altitude areas along the frontier with China, with the force testing the new weapon system in Ladakh twice on Wednesday. The Akash Prime missiles successfully destroyed two high-speed unmanned aerial targets at an altitude of around 15,000 feet during the trials, which Union defence minister Rajnath Singh described as 'a significant milestone and boost' for India's air defence capabilities, especially for high-altitude operational requirements. The existing Akash air defence systems with the Army and IAF were extensively used against the drones, loitering munitions and the like launched by Pakistan during the cross-border hostilities from May 7 to 10 under Operation Sindoor . Both Akash and Akash Prime have the capability to intercept hostile aircraft, helicopters and drones at a 25-km range, but the latter is an upgraded customised version for areas above 4,500 metre in altitude, with modified ground systems and radars, as well as new radio frequency seekers. 'Various upgrades have been made in the Akash Prime system, designed by DRDO and produced by defence PSU Bharat Dynamics after operational feedback from the Army, to improve its operational effectiveness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Wednesday's trials were conducted as part of the first production model firing to enable timely induction,' an official said. Under a Rs 8,160-crore contract signed by ministry of defence (MoD) in Mar 2023, the Army Air Defence (AAD) is now raising two regiments of the Akash Prime system, which also has a reduced footprint with 360° engagement capability, to add to its two existing Akash regiments. The IAF, in turn, already has 15 Akash squadrons, ordered for Rs 10,900 crore, with more in the pipeline, as reported by TOI earlier.
