Why is it in the News?

India demonstrated the capability of the Akash missile system to engage four aerial targets simultaneously at a range of 25 kilometres, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said on Sunday.

Context:

• During the recent Exercise Astrashakti 2023, a solitary unit of the Akash weapon system demonstrated its capability by effectively engaging and eliminating four unmanned targets simultaneously.
• This showcase positions India as the pioneer, being the first country to showcase the proficiency of engaging multiple targets at considerable distances concurrently through command guidance from a single firing unit.

About the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Defence System:

• The Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Defence System is a Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM) designed to safeguard vulnerable areas and points from airborne threats.
• Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it boasts several notable features:
• Versatility: Capable of simultaneously engaging multiple targets and effectively neutralizing manoeuvring threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles, fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and helicopter-launched missiles.
• Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM): Equipped with built-in ECCM features, enhancing its resilience against electronic countermeasures.
• Flexible Deployment: The entire system is configured for launch from both static and mobile platforms such as battle tanks and wheeled trucks, ensuring adaptable deployment options.
• Transportability: Road and rail transportable, with swift mobilization and deployment capabilities, facilitating rapid response scenarios.
• Range: Capable of engaging aerial targets at a distance of approximately 25 km.
• Altitude of Operation: Ranging from 100 meters up to 20 km.
• Weight: 710 kg.
• Guidance System: Command Guidance.
• Automation: Fully automatic with a quick response time from target detection to neutralization.
• Open-System Architecture: Designed with an open-system architecture, ensuring adaptability to current and future air defence environments.