"Blissful Moment...": The Creator of Akash Defense System Credited for Thwarting Pakistani Missiles
India's Homegrown Akash Missile System Strikes Back, Safeguarding West India
In the wee hours of last night, the menacing skies over west India seemed to quiet down, thanks to the indigenous Akash missile system. This system, developed over a span of 15 years by none other than Dr Prahlada Ramarao, a former scientist at the DRDO, stood tall and tall, thwarting incoming missiles and drones during Pakistan's relentless attack.
"Seeing my baby work so accurately and beautifully in shooting down incoming enemy aerial targets fills me with immense pride," Dr Ramarao, now a spry 78-year-old, told our digital platform with tears in his eyes. "It was more than what I had expected, engaging incoming targets effectively."
Dr Ramarao, handpicked by India's 'missile man' and former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, was the youngest Project Director for the Akash programme. Originally conceived to intercept drones, missiles, helicopters, and even supersonic fighter jets like the US-made F-16s, the Indian military initially seemed hesitant to invest in the technology.
But the Akash system, partnered with India's integrated counter-unmanned aerial system grid, the Russian-made S-400, and other anti-aircraft weaponry, worked together to create an impenetrable shield that withstood the onslaught.
India, sources close to the government said, has once again demonstrated that it's more than just capable of defending its skies. It has, in fact, taken command of the skies.
What Exactly is the Akash Missile Defence System?
Manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited in Hyderabad, the Akash system is essentially a short-range surface-to-air missile system that protects against aerial threats. Suited for engagement of multiple targets—either as a group or autonomously—the Akash system possesses built-in electronic counter-counter measures, rendering it highly maneuverable and a potent addition to the military.
The system can engage targets at altitudes of up to 20 km. Each launcher carries three missiles that operate in a 'fire and forget' mode. Weighing approximately 710 kg with a 20-foot length and a 60 kg warhead, the Akash system boasts a high kill probability, with one missile alone delivering an 88% probability of a successful hit. When two missiles are launched in salvo, the kill probability rises to close to 100%.
The system is fully automatic, features real-time, multi-sensor data processing and threat evaluation capabilities, and acts swiftly upon acquiring, identifying, and neutralizing threats. The Akash system has already been exported to Armenia in a Rs 6,000-crore deal.
Dr Ramarao's tagline for Akash—sara akash hamara, or "the whole sky is ours"—seems to ring true today.
According to further U.S. and Indian sources, the Akash system boasts an operational range of approximately 25-40 km and can reach speeds of Mach 2.5 to 3.5 (4,200 km/h). It can engage multiple targets simultaneously and features advanced radars and command centers for network-centric operations.
As part of India's multi-layered air defense architecture, it serves as a crucial mid-layer between long-range systems like the S-400 and short-range systems such as Spyder and QRSM.
Recent combat scenarios have demonstrated the robustness and reliability of the Akash system.
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Dr Prahlada Ramarao, the youngest Project Director for the Akash missile program, expressed pride as his creation effectively neutralized incoming targets during the recent attack in west India. The Akash system, a short-range surface-to-air missile developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited in Hyderabad, is a potent addition to the military with a high kill probability and a speed of Mach 2.5 to 3.5. As part of India's multi-layered air defense architecture, it serves as a crucial mid-layer between long-range systems like the S-400 and short-range systems such as Spyder and QRSM. To stay updated on the latest Akash-related news, join our chat channels on WhatsApp by clicking the link.
