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New Delhi. User evaluation trials of India’s advanced Akash-NG missile have been completed. With this, the way has been cleared for it to join the Army and Air Force. In the opinion of experts, this new generation surface-to-air missile system has the potential to change the security equation in South Asia. The Akash-NG system is capable of dealing with high-speed aerial threats.

This missile system, which operates at two and a half times the speed of sound, has a range of approximately 60 kilometers. This upgraded version provides a powerful shield against modern air threats on India’s North and West borders. Akash-NG can accurately target threats with low radar cross section such as enemy stealth fighter jets, cruise missiles and drones.

Will be included in 2026
The Defense Ministry said that during the trials, Akash NG missiles successfully engaged air targets with high accuracy in low altitude, long range and high altitude conditions. Senior DRDO scientists as well as Air Force officers were present during the tests. DRDO Chairman Sameer V Kamat said that this successful test has paved the way for the induction of Akash-NG in the forces. According to sources, this missile system will be included in the Air Force by next year.

Integration with other systems
This system, which has about 96 percent indigenous content, reduces the country’s dependence on foreign weapons. Akash NG can be integrated with modern command-control networks, allowing it to work seamlessly with other defense systems. This means that it has now become easier for the armies to respond to any aerial misadventure.

There will be less dependence on others
Former Air Force Chief Arup Raha said that it is very important to have better air defense capabilities in modern wars. In Operation Sindoor, the enemy could not cause harm because our air defense was good. The range and efficacy of Aakash NG is quite good. By developing air defense capability indigenously, we will not have to depend on others. Well-known defense expert Major General GD Bakshi said that our air defense system will become very strong with quick reaction missiles like Akash NG. This will create a leak proof umbrella and now India will be able to stop more than 90 percent of the missiles fired by the enemy. Akash NG is much cheaper than other systems in its category in Russia, the US and across Europe.