Akash: India's Sky Shield Soars

Akash: India's Sky Shield Soars – Capabilities, Evolution, and Global Ambitions Towards 2030

 

India's indigenous Akash missile system stands as a testament to the nation's burgeoning self-reliance in defence. Born from decades of dedicated research and development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Akash has matured into a formidable medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) system. Its operational prowess was definitively proven during the recent Operation Sindhur, where it successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats, including sophisticated Chinese-designed missiles and drones. This battlefield success has not only bolstered India's strategic confidence but also positioned Akash as a sought-after system on the global defense market. With significant upgrades like Akash-NG on the horizon and an aggressive export strategy, India aims to solidify its standing as a major defense technology exporter by 2030, reinforcing the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) vision.

A Journey of Resilience: From Drawing Board to Battlefield Dominance

The Akash missile system's journey began decades ago under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), a visionary initiative spearheaded by the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. It was a painstaking effort, spanning over 15 to 20 years, involving thousands of scientists and a collaborative ecosystem of defense labs and academic institutions. As Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, the former project director of Akash, poignantly shared, "We failed. A lot. But every failure was a step forward," underscoring the relentless dedication behind its development.

The true mettle of Akash was proven in the crucible of real-world conflict during the recent Operation Sindhur. Faced with waves of incoming drones and missiles, including Chinese-designed HATF-I SRBMs and FATAH-I and II guided rockets from Pakistan, the Akash system performed flawlessly. "It was like watching my child take its first steps—only this child stopped enemy fire," an emotional Dr. Prahlada Ramarao stated, reflecting the immense pride and validation of years of hard work. He further exclaimed, "My eyes welled up when my baby worked so well. This is bigger than my Padma award."

This decisive performance reverberated globally. Taiwanese media, closely observing the conflict, commended India's indigenous air defense systems. According to one report, "Indian systems 'proved their mettle by neutralizing advanced Chinese missile technology,' raising questions about the reliability of China's defense exports." This success also solidified India's internal confidence, demonstrating the maturity of Indian industries like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in absorbing technology and delivering sophisticated defense products.

General Anil Chauhan, India's Chief of Defence Staff, highlighted this pivotal shift, noting that India has developed its own air defense networking infrastructure "without depending on foreign vendors." Military expert John Spencer echoed this sentiment, stating that India "demonstrated to the world the true meaning of self-reliance in modern warfare, proving that the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' stands strong even in the heat of battle."

The Current Arsenal: Capabilities and Technological Edge

The original Akash system is a formidable air defense asset, designed to protect critical installations and vulnerable areas.

• Range and Engagement: It boasts an operational range of 4.5 km to 25 km (some sources indicate up to 30 km) and can intercept targets from 100 meters up to 18-20 km altitude.
• Speed: With speeds reaching Mach 2.5 to 3.5, Akash can effectively engage high-speed aerial threats.
• Warhead: It carries a 60 kg high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead coupled with a sophisticated radio proximity fuze for optimal detonation.
• Guidance and Radar: The system employs command guidance throughout its flight, with a digital autopilot ensuring precision. The heart of its fire control is the Rajendra 3D Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA) radar. This advanced radar can track up to 64 targets and simultaneously guide up to 12 missiles to engage multiple threats, typically four targets at once. Complementing this is the 3D Central Acquisition Radar (3D CAR) for long-range surveillance (up to 120 km), tracking over 200 targets.
• Multi-Target Capability: Its ability to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously makes it a robust defense against saturation attacks. Air Marshal AK Bharti, IAF DGMO, declared that India's defense systems, including Akash and S-400 Triumf, "stood like a wall," blocking enemy incursions during Operation Sindhur.
• Resilience: Akash features robust Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM), providing high immunity against active and passive jamming, ensuring reliability in complex electronic warfare environments.
• Mobility: The entire system is mounted on mobile platforms (tracked and wheeled), enabling rapid deployment and redeployment across diverse terrains.

In terms of cost-effectiveness, Dr. Prahlada Ramarao proudly asserted, "Nowhere in the world has a missile defence system been developed for just Rs 500 crore. And yet, it can detect a missile 70 km away and destroy it at 30 km. Our Akash is the cheapest but most effective missile shield."

The Future Horizon: Akash-NG and Global Ambitions for 2030

India's defense roadmap for Akash, particularly looking towards 2030, is ambitious, centered around the Akash-NG (New Generation) variant and a strong export drive.

Akash-NG: A Leap in Capabilities Expected to enter service by approximately 2026, Akash-NG represents a significant technological leap:

• Extended Range: The range will be dramatically increased to 70-80 km, enhancing its defensive perimeter.
• New Propulsion: It will feature a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, making the missile lighter (around 350 kg from 700 kg) and more efficient, contributing to its extended reach and speed.
• Active Radar Homing Seeker: A critical upgrade is the incorporation of an indigenously developed Ku-band active RF seeker. This provides terminal guidance, enhancing precision, particularly against agile and low Radar Cross Section (RCS) targets like cruise missiles and stealth UAVs.
• AESA Radar: The ground system will likely integrate an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Multi-Function Radar (MFR), offering superior multi-target tracking, faster beam steering, and enhanced resistance to jamming.
• Canisterized Launchers: Akash-NG will utilize canisterized launchers, reducing its footprint, enabling quicker deployment, and facilitating faster reload times.
• Improved Reaction Time: The combination of advanced radar, active seeker, and improved processing will significantly reduce reaction time, making it highly effective against saturation attacks.

Beyond Akash-NG, intermediate upgrades like Akash Prime with improved seekers and cold weather optimization are being rolled out. DRDO is also actively exploring advanced propulsion fuels to further enhance the existing variants' performance.

Integrated Air Defence (Akashteer): Akash will be seamlessly integrated into "Akashteer," India's unified, AI-enabled Air Defence Network. This system aims to automate detection, tracking, and engagement of threats, providing a common real-time air picture and coordinating various air defense assets across the armed forces. This advanced networking will significantly improve battlefield situational awareness and response efficiency.

Global Export Drive: India is aggressively promoting Akash for export, with a clear strategic objective to become a significant global defense supplier. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated, "Self-reliance in defence is central to securing our strategic interests and catalyzing India's transformation into a developed economy," adding, "From being the world's largest importer in 2015, India has emerged as one of the top 25 defense exporters."

The success is already evident with Armenia placing a substantial order for 15 Akash systems worth approximately $720 million, with deliveries underway. The Philippines is also a strong prospect for a deal exceeding $200 million, following their earlier BrahMos acquisition. Countries like Brazil, UAE, Egypt, and Vietnam have also expressed interest. India’s strategy focuses on offering cost-effective, high-indigenization (over 96%) solutions through government-to-government (G2G) deals, aiming for ₹50,000 crore (approximately $6 billion USD) in defense exports by 2029. As Madhavarao, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Dynamics Limited, put it, "Our indigenous initiatives, in synergy with DRDO and other national research organizations, have led to the development of state-of-the-art weaponry that is designed, engineered, and manufactured within the country, resulting in technology retention, cost efficiency, and enhanced strategic autonomy."

Reflection: A Self-Reliant Tomorrow

The journey of the Akash missile system embodies India's unwavering commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense. What began as an ambitious scientific endeavor has culminated in a battle-proven, technologically advanced air defense system that secures India's skies and garners international acclaim. The emotional pronouncements of its developers, the confidence expressed by military leadership, and the commendations from international observers collectively paint a picture of a nation steadily rising as a formidable player in defense technology.

The success of Akash is not merely about a missile; it represents a broader transformation of India's defense industrial base. It highlights the power of sustained indigenous research, the crucial role of collaboration between government and private sectors, and the vision of leaders like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The upcoming Akash-NG, with its enhanced range, precision, and advanced radar capabilities, will undoubtedly elevate India's air defense to a new echelon.

Furthermore, India's strategic push for defense exports, exemplified by the Akash deals, marks a paradigm shift from being a major importer to a significant global supplier. This move not only generates revenue but also strengthens strategic partnerships and reinforces India's geopolitical influence. By 2030, the Akash family of missiles, alongside other indigenous systems, will be a cornerstone of India's multi-layered air defense, making the nation more secure and a reliable partner in global security. The journey of Akash is a powerful narrative of ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' that is truly capable of safeguarding its interests and contributing to global stability.