# Akash-NG

Akash - New Generation (IAST: Ākāśa "Sky") abbreviated as Akash-NG is a medium-ranged, mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics (BEL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
For the Akash-NG project, DRDO selected Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India, a private company, under Development cum Production Partner programme. Akash-NG is the successor of Akash and Akash-1S series of missiles with improvements.

## Development

With a canisterized launcher and a significantly reduced ground system footprint than the previous generation Akash SAM system, Akash-NG has been created for greater deployability. In September 2016, approval was given for the development of the Akash-NG (New Generation), with funding of ₹470 crore (equivalent to ₹676 crore or US$78 million in 2023).
Akash-NG will be more resilient to saturation attacks and have a quicker reaction time. The second stage's dual-pulse solid rocket motor is lighter than the air-breathing ramjet engine found in the earlier generation Akash and Akash-1S missiles. It assists in lessening the platform's weight and footprint. The missile's effectiveness against targets with low radar cross-section is enhanced by an active electronically scanned array Multi-Function Radar (MFR), while the optical proximity fuze offers superior anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities.
The missile uses an Ku-band active radar seeker which was revealed to the public during Aero India 2021.
According to Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India, Akash NG can function at elevations between 20° and 70° and at 360° azimuth. It takes ten minutes to reload two stacks of canisterized missiles. The system can fire one missile in ten seconds after the command-and-control unit acquires the target, and a salvo of three missiles can be fired in twenty seconds. The deployment time from transportation to ready-to-fire mode is less than 20 minutes.
Ten targets can be engaged at once with Akash NG. As per Janes Information Services, the range of interception is as high as 50–60 km. DRDO increased the missile's operational range from 25–30 km for the previous generation Akash to 70–80 km for the Akash-NG.

## Testing

On 25 January 2021, at around 2:30 p.m., 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 (ITR) 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 (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) 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 a.m., DRDO successfully tested the Akash-NG from LC-3 at the ITR. The missile, equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (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.
The Akash-NG was flight tested in 2023 against Meggitt Banshee from the Integrated Test Range with the goal of intercepting highly maneuverable, low radar cross section aerial threats.
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.

## Export
### Brazil

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.

## Operators
### India

* Indian Army — Planned
* Indian Air Force — Planned