India's Akash surface-to-air missile system was developed with an unusual level of direct military involvement, with Indian Army and Air Force personnel working inside DRDO laboratories to shape the weapon's operational capabilities, shared veteran missile scientist Dr Prahlada Rao.&nbsp;Speaking exclusively on WION Defence Pulse, the Padma Shri awardee, widely regarded as the father of the Akash missile, recalled how the Indian armed forces became closely involved in its development more than four decades ago.&nbsp;<h2>How the Indian Army and Air Force helped build Akash</h2>&nbsp;“When we started the Akash missile system, one thing very new happened,” Dr. Rao recalled. He revealed that the Indian Army and Air Force proposed stationing small teams inside DRDO laboratories to interact directly with scientists during subsystem testing and flight evaluations of the Akash missile.&nbsp;The arrangement initially made researchers uncomfortable. Missile development involved years of experimentation, including failures and successes, and the scientists were not accustomed to having operational users observe the process so closely. But the military insisted on being involved to ensure the finished system met its requirements.&nbsp;“We made the Akash missile system like almost custom made to the Indian Army, Indian Air Force because they were literally guiding us,” Rao explained. That involvement shaped critical operational parameters, including reaction time, mobility, ergonomics, single-shot kill probability and performance under monsoon conditions. Rao believes this close cooperation helped build military confidence in Akash and contributed to its performance during Operation Sindoor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>From India's air defence to international exports</h2> The Akash family has since evolved from an indigenous development programme into an operational air-defence system with overseas customers. Armenia became its first export customer, while India has also announced exports to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Rao identified the system's combination of cost-effectiveness, operational performance and established logistics as major attractions for foreign militaries.He also indicated that additional countries in Southeast Asia, Central Asia and West Asia were showing interest. For prospective customers, he explained, the decision involves more than missile performance. Long-term maintenance, supply-chain reliability and defence relationships are equally important. <h2>Akash-NG brings autonomous interception</h2>Dr. Rao also explained how the Akash missile family has evolved through successive upgrades. According to him, Akash-NG incorporates a smaller, more advanced seeker, reduced weight and greater range. One of its significant improvements is autonomous flight after launch, allowing the missile to seek and engage a target without continuous ground guidance.This becomes important in mountainous terrain, where missiles may need to negotiate complex geography to intercept low-flying threats. Dr. Rao also highlighted a feature designed to increase missile speed immediately before interception, reducing the target's opportunity to evade. <h2>The next frontier is intelligent air defence</h2> Looking ahead, Dr. Rao predicted that aerial threats would demand faster and more intelligent interception systems. He emphasised the growing importance of artificial intelligence, advanced command-and-control networks and integrated surveillance.Directed-energy weapons, including lasers and high-power microwaves, could eventually complement conventional missile-based air defence, although he stressed that such systems require exceptionally precise targeting. The evolution of Akash, he suggested, demonstrates the value of developing military technology with the armed forces involved from the laboratory stage itself. What began as an indigenous missile project has become a broader example of how India's scientists, soldiers and defence manufacturers can jointly build capabilities for both national security and international markets.

Akash-NG incorporates a smaller, more advanced seeker, reduced weight and greater range. Its autonomous flight after launch allows it to seek and engage a target without continuous ground guidance, which becomes important in mountainous terrain.

India's Akash surface-to-air missile system was developed with an unusual level of direct military involvement, with Indian Army and Air Force personnel working inside DRDO laboratories to shape the weapon's operational capabilities, shared veteran missile scientist Dr Prahlada Rao. Speaking exclusively on WION Defence Pulse, the Padma Shri awardee, widely regarded as the father of the Akash missile, recalled how the Indian armed forces became closely involved in its development more than four decades ago. How the Indian Army and Air Force helped build Akash “When we started the Akash missile system, one thing very new happened,” Dr. Rao recalled. He revealed that the Indian Army and Air Force proposed stationing small teams inside DRDO laboratories to interact directly with scientists during subsystem testing and flight evaluations of the Akash missile. The arrangement initially made researchers uncomfortable. Missile development involved years of experimentation, including failures and successes, and the scientists were not accustomed to having operational users observe the process so closely. But the military insisted on being involved to ensure the finished system met its requirements. “We made the Akash missile system like almost custom made to the Indian Army, Indian Air Force because they were literally guiding us,” Rao explained. That involvement shaped critical operational parameters, including reaction time, mobility, ergonomics, single-shot kill probability and performance under monsoon conditions. Rao believes this close cooperation helped build military confidence in Akash and contributed to its performance during Operation Sindoor.

Akash-NG incorporates a smaller, more advanced seeker, reduced weight and greater range. Its autonomous flight after launch allows it to seek and engage a target without continuous ground guidance, which becomes important in mountainous terrain.&nbsp;

‘Indian Army and Air Force were literally guiding us’: Father of Akash Missile Dr Prahlada Rao reveals how India built its air defence shield

As wars continue to rage across the world, the significance of missile interceptors has come to the fore, with Ukraine and US running low on its air defence stocks.Amid this, India’s indigenous air defence system is emerging as a success story.The Akash missile system, which was first conceptualised in 1983 and cleared for use in 2007, is now in demand from multiple countries.While Armenia was its first customer, India’s Defence Secretary confirmed that Akash has been exported to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as well.Developed by DRDO, Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system which provides cutting-edge air defence due to its multi-sensor data processing ability.It can track and destroy multiple aerial threats, from fighter jets to missile drones, within a 25-kilometre radius.During Operation Sindoor last year, indigenous systems like Akash played a key role.It is also being positioned as a low-cost alternative for countries that cannot afford to buy huge stocks of air defence systems like THAAD and Patriot.In December last year, DRDO successfully completed user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash missile, which is a potent system for ensuring air defence against different types of aerial threats.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> | As wars continue to rage across the world, the significance of missile interceptors cannot be overstated. Amid this, India&#39;s Defence Secretary confirmed that the Akash missile system has been exported to Armenia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan<a href="https://x.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> has more <a href="https://t.co/m7eg9cCpuS">pic.twitter.com/m7eg9cCpuS</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2106065690625221017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile remains India’s flagship export product.According to India’s Defence Secretary, BrahMos exports are set to cross 600 million US dollars, with agreements to sell this high-end strategic weapon to the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.With India scaling up domestic manufacturing of weapons, it now exports defence equipment, including artillery systems and missiles, to over 80 countries.The country’s defence exports reached over four billion US dollars in the April 2025 to March 2026 period. This was a 62 per cent jump as compared to a year ago.According to India’s Defence Ministry, the sharp rise signalled an increasing global acceptance of Indian-made defence products.India has now set an ambitious target of achieving 50,000 crore Indian rupees in defence exports by 2030.With countries like Brazil, Egypt and the Philippines also reportedly showing interest in buying the Akash missile system, it just reaffirms India’s growing stature as a defence manufacturer.

Developed by DRDO, Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system which provides cutting-edge air defence due to its multi-sensor data processing ability.

As wars continue to rage across the world, the significance of missile interceptors has come to the fore, with Ukraine and US running low on its air defence stocks. Amid this, India’s indigenous air defence system is emerging as a success story. The Akash missile system, which was first conceptualised in 1983 and cleared for use in 2007, is now in demand from multiple countries. While Armenia was its first customer, India’s Defence Secretary confirmed that Akash has been exported to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as well. Developed by DRDO, Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system which provides cutting-edge air defence due to its multi-sensor data processing ability. It can track and destroy multiple aerial threats, from fighter jets to missile drones, within a 25-kilometre radius. During Operation Sindoor last year, indigenous systems like Akash played a key role. It is also being positioned as a low-cost alternative for countries that cannot afford to buy huge stocks of air defence systems like THAAD and Patriot. In December last year, DRDO successfully completed user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash missile, which is a potent system for ensuring air defence against different types of aerial threats.

Developed by DRDO, Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system which provides cutting-edge air defence due to its multi-sensor data processing ability.

Gravitas | India exports indigenous Akash missile system to Armenia, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan

Indian missile development program continues to evolve at a rapid pace. India has recently tested the key player in its surface-to-air missile arsenal Akash defence system. The newest iteration, Akash Prime, is making headlines, but how is it in comparison with the already in use, Akash New Generation (NG)?<h2>What is Akash Prime?</h2>Akash Prime is the latest iteration of the surface-to-air missile defence system. Developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), it is designed to enhance India's missile defence capabilities in low temperature and high altitude situations.<h2>Key features of Akash Prime</h2><ul><li>It is installed with an indigenously developed active radio frequency seeker, which improves the precision against agile targets like cruise missiles, fighter jets or drones.</li><li>It is specifically optimised for high altitude and low temperature territories like the India-Tibet border. It is incorporated with enhanced thermal shielding, making it perfect for protecting assets in sensitive areas and extreme weather conditions like the Siachin glaciers and Ladakh.</li><li>It can engage targets at an altitude of 18 km at a distance of 30 km away.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Akash Missile Defence System</h2>Akash Prime is the fourth version of the Akash Missiles. The first three were Akash Mk-1, Akash-1S, and Akash NG. Notably, Akash Prime was previously tested in 2021 once, but this iteration includes the active radio frequency seeker and is optimised for the sensitive temperature region. The Akash Missile Defence System consists of a single battery with radar and four launchers. Each has three missiles with 60&nbsp;kg (130&nbsp;lb) high explosive, 64 targets and can attack up to 12 of them. The system provides coverage up to 2,000&nbsp;square km.&nbsp;<h2>Akash NG vs Akash Prime</h2>Akash NG has a range of 70-80 km compared to the 27-30 km range of the Akash Prime. It is sleeker and lighter and utilises a more advanced dual-pulse solid rocket motor, replacing the older ramjet engine for improved performance. Akash NG is mobile, and its smaller ground system footprint makes it easier to deploy and transport.&nbsp;While Akash NG is the future with longer range and smarter tech. Akash Prime, on the other hand, is designed for specific terrain with lower temperatures and higher altitudes, smarter tech, reliable and rugged.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

 The Indian Army on Wednesday tested the Akash Prime Missile at over 15,000 feet in Ladakh. It will be equipped third and fourth regiments of the Akash air defence systems. The surface-to-air missile scored two direct hits on a fast-moving airborne target in the high altitude zone.

Indian missile development program continues to evolve at a rapid pace. India has recently tested the key player in its surface-to-air missile arsenal Akash defence system. The newest iteration, Akash Prime, is making headlines, but how is it in comparison with the already in use, Akash New Generation (NG)? What is Akash Prime? Akash Prime is the latest iteration of the surface-to-air missile defence system. Developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), it is designed to enhance India's missile defence capabilities in low temperature and high altitude situations. Key features of Akash Prime It is installed with an indigenously developed active radio frequency seeker, which improves the precision against agile targets like cruise missiles, fighter jets or drones. It is specifically optimised for high altitude and low temperature territories like the India-Tibet border. It is incorporated with enhanced thermal shielding, making it perfect for protecting assets in sensitive areas and extreme weather conditions like the Siachin glaciers and Ladakh. It can engage targets at an altitude of 18 km at a distance of 30 km away. Akash Missile Defence System Akash Prime is the fourth version of the Akash Missiles. The first three were Akash Mk-1, Akash-1S, and Akash NG. Notably, Akash Prime was previously tested in 2021 once, but this iteration includes the active radio frequency seeker and is optimised for the sensitive temperature region. The Akash Missile Defence System consists of a single battery with radar and four launchers. Each has three missiles with 60 kg (130 lb) high explosive, 64 targets and can attack up to 12 of them. The system provides coverage up to 2,000 square km. Akash NG vs Akash Prime Akash NG has a range of 70-80 km compared to the 27-30 km range of the Akash Prime. It is sleeker and lighter and utilises a more advanced dual-pulse solid rocket motor, replacing the older ramjet engine for improved performance. Akash NG is mobile, and its smaller ground system footprint makes it easier to deploy and transport. While Akash NG is the future with longer range and smarter tech. Akash Prime, on the other hand, is designed for specific terrain with lower temperatures and higher altitudes, smarter tech, reliable and rugged.

The Indian Army on Wednesday tested the Akash Prime Missile at over 15,000 feet in Ladakh. It will be equipped in the third and fourth regiments of the Akash air defence systems. The surface-to-air missile scored two direct hits on a fast-moving airborne target in the high altitude zone.

What Is Akash Prime missile? How is it different from the Akash-NG?

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‘Indian Army and Air Force were literally guiding us’: Father of Akash Missile Dr Prahlada Rao reveals how India built its air defence shield

India exports Akash missile system to Armenia, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan

What Is Akash Prime missile? How is it different from the Akash-NG?