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{{Short description|Indian surface to air missile series}}{{for|the older ramjet powered missile|Akash (missile)|}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Akash-NG
| image = Akash NG being flight tested (cropped).jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = Akash-NG Missile
| origin = [[India]]
| type = Medium-range [[surface-to-air missile]] system
| is_ranged = yes
| is_missile = yes
| is_UK = yes
| service =
| used_by = [[Indian Army]] <br />[[Indian Air Force]]
| wars = 
| designer = [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
| design_date = 2021
| manufacturer = [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]] <br />[[Bharat Electronics]] <br/>Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India
| developed_from = [[Akash (missile)|Akash missile system]]
| unit_cost =
| production_date =
| number =
| variants =
| speed = [[Mach number|Mach]] 3<ref name=":5" />
| spec_label =
| weight = {{convert|350|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name=":6">{{cite news |date=24 December 2025 |title=India completes trials of Akash-NG air defense missile |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/drdo-akash-ng-missile-trials-india-air-defence-nm3096km |access-date=24 December 2025 |publisher=english.mathrubhumi.com}}</ref>
| length =
| part_length =
| width =
| height =
| diameter =
| crew =
| passengers = 
| rate = * ''Normal:'' 1 missile in 10 seconds
* ''Salvo:'' 3 missiles in 20 seconds<ref name=":5" />
| breech =
| recoil =
| carriage =
| elevation = 20–70°
| traverse = 
| blade_type =
| hilt_type =
| sheath_type =
| head_type =
| haft_type = 
| filling = [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|Fragmentation]]
| filling_weight =
| detonation = [[Proximity fuze|Optical proximity fuze]]
| yield = 
| wingspan =
| propellant = [[Solid fuel]]
| engine = [[Pulsed rocket motor|Dual-pulse solid rocket motor]]<ref name="DRDO_Chief_Comments_2021">{{cite news|last1=Jha|first1=Saurav|title=Developing Any Kind Of Missile Is Not Much Of An Issue For DRDO Anymore: Satheesh Reddy|url=http://delhidefencereview.com/2021/02/08/developing-any-kind-of-missile-is-not-much-of-an-issue-for-drdo-anymore-sateesh-reddy/|access-date=8 February 2021|work=Delhi Defence Review|date=8 February 2021}}</ref>
| ceiling = {{convert|18|km|feet|abbr=on}}<ref name=":6" />
| altitude = {{convert|0.030 -14|km|feet|abbr=on}}
| depth =
| boost =
| accuracy =
| launch_platform =
| guidance = '''Mid-course:''' [[Inertial navigation system|INS]] + two-way [[datalink]] <br/>'''Terminal:''' [[Active radar homing|ARH]]
| transport =
| vehicle_range = {{convert|50|km|mile|abbr=on}}<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":7" />
}}
'''Akash - New Generation''' ([[IAST]]: [[Akash (missile)|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]] and produced by [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]], and [[Bharat Electronics]] for the [[Indian Air Force]].<ref name=":3" />

For the Akash-NG project, [[DRDO]] selected Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India, a private company, under Development cum Production Partner programme.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kajal |first=Kapil |date=19 October 2022 |title=Defexpo 2022: India showcases Akash-NG mobile missile launcher |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/defexpo-2022-india-showcases-akash-ng-mobile-missile-launcher |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Janes |language=en}}</ref> Akash-NG is the successor of [[Akash (missile)#Mark 1|Akash Mark 1]], and [[Akash (missile)#Akash Prime|Akash Prime]] series of missiles with improvements.<ref name="DRDO_Chief_Comments_2021" />

== Description ==
With a canisterised launcher and a significantly reduced ground system footprint than the previous generation [[Akash SAM]] system, Akash-NG has been created for greater deployability.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=22 December 2023 |title=MINISTRY OF DEFENCE - YEAR END REVIEW 2023 |work=Press Information Bureau |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1989502 |access-date=24 December 2023}}</ref> An Akash-NG missile system includes three vehicle types — radar unit, [[command and control]] unit (CCU) and the launcher unit with six missile canisters.<ref name=":5">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCBL0kG8IkM |title=Akash-NG Missile: दुश्मनों का होश उड़ाने को तैयार आकाश-NG मिसाइल, जानिए कितना खतरनाक? DRDO |date=2026-01-25 |last=IndiaTV |type=Video |language=Hindi |trans-title=Akash-NG Missile: The Akash-NG missile is ready to stun the enemy; find out how dangerous it is? DRDO |access-date=2026-01-28 |via=YouTube}}</ref> In September 2016, approval was given for the development of the Akash-NG (New Generation), with funding of {{INRConvert|470|c|lk=on|year=2016}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=158007|title=DRDO Projects|date=3 February 2017|website=[[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]]|via=[[Press Information Bureau]]|access-date=2019-10-28}}</ref>

Akash-NG will be more resilient to saturation attacks and have a quicker reaction time. The second stage's [[Pulsed rocket motor|dual-pulse solid rocket motor]] is lighter than the [[Airbreathing jet engine|air-breathing]] [[ramjet engine]] found in the earlier generation Akash and Akash-1S missiles.<ref name="DRDO_Chief_Comments_2021" /> It assists in lessening the platform's weight and footprint. The missile's effectiveness against targets with low [[Radar cross section|radar cross-section]] is enhanced by an [[active electronically scanned array|AESA]] Multi-Function Radar and an [[electro-optical targeting system]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite tweet |number=1975456503470698818 |user=Mrcool |title=In June 2025, During User trials of Akash-NG at Chandipur. Akash-NG has successfully engaged and scored a direct... |date=2025-10-07 |access-date=2025-12-25}}</ref> The radar can detect over 100 targets and engage 10 targets simultaneously.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=DRDO Successfully Completes User Trials of Akash-NG Air Defence Missile System |url=https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2025/12/drdo-successfully-completes-user-trials.html |access-date=2026-01-25}}</ref> It's [[Proximity_fuze#Optical|optical proximity fuze]] offers superior anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/india/next-generation-akash-ng-add-new-diamension-india-s-air-defence-capabilities-2817050.html|title=Next generation Akash-NG to add new diamension to India's air defence capabilities|last=SV|first=Vikas|date=2018-12-04|website=oneindia|language=en|access-date=2019-11-17}}</ref><ref name="MoD_test_1">{{cite web |title=Successful Maiden Test Launch of Akash-NG Missile |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1692258 |access-date=27 January 2021 |website=pib.gov.in |publisher=Ministry of Defence, Government of India}}</ref>

According to Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India, the Akash-NG launcher can function at [[Elevation|elevations]] between 20° and 70° and at 360° [[azimuth]]. The deployment time from transportation to ready-to-fire mode is less than 20 minutes. It takes ten minutes to reload two stacks of canisterised missiles.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="maiden_test_hemant_rout">{{cite news|last1=Rout|first1=Hemant Kumar|title=Next-generation surface-to-air Akash missile successfully test-fired|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jan/25/next-generation-surface-to-air-akash-missile-successfully-test-fired-2254916.html|access-date=27 January 2021|work=The New Indian Express|agency=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

The missile uses an [[Ku band|Ku-band]] active radar seeker which was revealed to the public during [[List of Aero India editions#13th edition (2021)|Aero India 2021]].<ref name="DRDO_Chief_Comments_2021" /> The multi-function radar can [[Identify friend or foe|identify friends or foes]], provide fire control up to {{convert|80|km|mi|abbr=on}} and surveillance up to {{convert|120|km|mi|abbr=on}}. The [[Electro-optical targeting system|EOTS]] can identify and track targets up to {{convert|45|km|mi|abbr=on}} away. Akash-NG has extensive [[Electronic counter-countermeasure|electronic counter-countermeasures]] capabilities. The weapon system is capable of operating in all weather condition. It is transportable by road, rail, and air.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Akash New Generation |url=https://bel-india.in/product/akash-new-generation-mfr-ccu/ |access-date=10 October 2025 |website=Bharat Electronics Limited}}</ref><ref name=":5" />

Firstly, the radar of the missile system detects a target in surveillance mode and transfers the target details to the command and control unit (CCU). Thereafter, once the target enters the [[kill zone]] of the missile, the CCU sends the fire command to the launcher unit. A missile is fired within 10 seconds of target designation. A salvo of three missiles can be fired in twenty seconds. In ripple mode, multiple missiles can be launched from multiple launchers at once.<ref name=":5" />

The missile has two sets of fins. The ones in the rear helps the missile to manoeuver while the forward ones are static and maintains [[lift force]]. The missile's warhead fragments achieve a speed of 1,500 m/s, enough for defeating thick armour plates at considerable distance and destroying aircraft, according to DRDO officials.<ref name=":5" />

The previous generations of Akash missiles, including Akash Prime for higher altitudes, had a range of {{convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}}. Meanwhile, Akash-NG has a maximum range of {{convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} which has been proven in user trials with the Indian Air Force. However, in January 2026, DRDO officials revealed that a new rocket motor has been developed which further increases the missile's range to {{convert|50|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite news |date=2026-01-28 |title=Rajnath praises DRDO scientists, asks them to ‘increase appetite for risk in research’ |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/defence/news/rajnath-praises-drdo-scientists-asks-them-to-increase-appetite-for-risk-in-research/articleshow/127652141.cms |access-date=2026-01-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> As per [[Janes Information Services]], the range of interception is as high as {{convert|50-60|km|mi|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kajal |first=Kapil |date=16 January 2024 |title=India test-fires new-generation Akash missile |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/india-test-fires-new-generation-akash-missile |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713122135/https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/india-test-fires-new-generation-akash-missile |archive-date=13 July 2024 |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Janes.com |language=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The first domestically produced [[radio frequency]] seeker for Akash-NG was supplied by Bharat Dynamics Limited on 2 August 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2025 |title=2023-24 Annual Report |url=https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR_2023-24-new-23-9-2025.pdf |access-date=10 October 2025 |website=Ministry of Defence, Government of India}}</ref>

==Testing==
[[File:Akash-NG missile test on 23 July 2021 - 2.jpg|thumb|Akash-NG test on 23 July 2021 amid adverse weather]]

* On 25 January 2021, at around 2:30 pm, 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]] 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]], and [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]] participated in the trials.<ref name="maiden_test_hemant_rout" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Successful Maiden Test Launch of Akash-NG Missile |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1692258 |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>

* 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 [[Integrated Test Range|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 [[Bharat Electronics|BEL]] and [[Bharat Dynamics Limited|BDL]] and the trial was observed by an IAF team.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=DRDO successfully flight-tests surface-to-air missile Akash-NG |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1737532 |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>

* On 23 July 2021, at 11:45 am, DRDO successfully tested the Akash-NG from LC-3 at the ITR. The missile, equipped with an indigenous [[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.<ref>{{cite news |title=DRDO conducts successful flight test of Akash-NG |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1738136 |access-date=23 July 2021 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Negi |first=Manjeet |last2=Bhalla |first2=Abhishek |date=23 July 2021 |title=DRDO successfully tests new-generation Akash missile for second time |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/drdo-successfully-tests-new-generation-akash-missile-for-second-time-1831825-2021-07-23 |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

* Akash-NG was successfully flight tested against [[Meggitt Banshee]] from the Integrated Test Range in January, February, and November of 2023 with the goal of intercepting highly maneuverable, low [[radar cross section]] aerial threats.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2025 |title=2023-24 Annual Report |url=https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/AR_2023-24-new-23-9-2025.pdf |access-date=10 October 2025 |website=Ministry of Defence, Government of India}}</ref>

[[File:Akash_NG_being_flight_tested.jpg|left|thumb|Akash-NG test fired from an IAF launcher against a fast-moving, low-altitude UAV in 2024 ]]

* 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH missile off Odisha coast |url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1995445 |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-01-12 |title=DRDO conducts successful flight-test of Akash-NG missile |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-successfully-flight-tests-akash-ng-missile/article67733770.ece |access-date=2024-01-12 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

* During the user trials of the Akash-NG, an EOTS mission was conducted in June 2025. As part of the tests, the missile was fired from Chandipur test range based on inputs from an [[Electro-optical targeting system|electro-optical tracking system]]. The target, a high-speed maneuvering [[QinetiQ Banshee|Banshee]], was successfully engaged. The validation allows the EOTS to function as a complement as well as a replacement to the radar systems since the latter is vulnerable to [[anti-radiation missile]] and [[cruise missile]]. The new generation-EOTS, developed by [[Instruments Research and Development Establishment|IRDE]], will function as a [[Homing guidance#Optical homing|passive missile guidance]].<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-01 |title=DRDO Newsletter October 2025 |url=https://drdo.gov.in/drdo/sites/default/files/publication-document/NL_Oct2025.pdf |access-date=2025-12-25 |website=drdo.gov.in |page=9-10}}</ref>
* On 23 December 2025, Akash-NG completed its final user evaluation trials (UET) and is ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces. During the trials, the missile intercepted aerial targets at various heights and ranges including near boundary, low altitude, long range and high altitude scenarios. The user trials was witnessed by officials from DRDO and the Indian Air Force.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=DRDO Successfully Completes User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG |date=2025-12-23 |publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2207971&reg=3&lang=1 |access-date=2025-12-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=2003504777653842055 |user=SpokespersonMoD |title=@DRDO_India successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of the Next Generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile system, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Armed Forces... |date=2025-12-23 |access-date=2025-12-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Shivani |date=2025-12-24 |title=DRDO completes user evaluation trials of Akash-NG missile system |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/drdo-completes-user-evaluation-trials-of-akash-ng-missile-system-2840802-2025-12-24 |access-date=2025-12-24 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> The missile's accuracy, response, and consistency in a range of operational envelopes have been proven through these engagements.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jain |first=Karishma |date=2025-12-25 |title=Akash-NG Cleared For Induction: How DRDO's Missile System Strengthens India's Air Defence |url=https://www.news18.com/explainers/akash-ng-cleared-for-induction-how-drdos-missile-system-strengthens-indias-air-defence-ws-l-9791619.html |access-date=2025-12-26 |work=news18.com}}</ref>

==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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/4954000/akash-ng-ejercito-mantenimiento-submarinos-armada-factor-india-accion|title=Brasil negocia con India la incorporación de Akash NG para su Ejército y el mantenimiento de submarinos para la Armada|date=7 August 2024|website=Infodefensa|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/brahmos-finds-global-attention-with-brazil-delegation-set-to-visit-india/article68478136.ece|title=BrahMos finds global attention with Brazil delegation set to visit India|date=2 August 2024|website=thehindubusinessline.com|language=en}}</ref> As of 7 July 2025, the negotiations between the [[Brazilian Army]] and Akash-NG fabricants is paralyzed in favour of an ongoing negotiation between the Army and [[MBDA]], for the supply of the [[CAMM (missile family)|Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions]] medium range SAM system, in a contract valued at US$1 billion (R$5 billion).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brasil desiste da Índia e negocia compra bilionária de mísseis com a Itália |url=https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/politica/brasil-desiste-da-india-e-negocia-compra-bilionaria-de-misseis-com-a-italia/ |date=7 July 2025 |website=CNN Brasil |language=pt}}</ref>

==Operators==
;{{IND}}
* [[Indian Air Force]] — Planned

==See also==
*{{lwc|Type 3 Chū-SAM}}
*{{lwc|KS-1 Surface-to-air missile|KS-1}}
*{{lwc|NASAMS}}
*{{lwc|Barak 8}}
*{{lwc|Anant Shastra}}
*{{lwc|VL-SRSAM}}
*{{lwc|Advanced Air Defence}}
*{{lwc|Prithvi Air Defence}}
*{{lwc|Project Kusha}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}
{{Indian missiles}}

[[Category:Surface-to-air missiles of India]]
[[Category:Post–Cold War weapons of India]]
[[Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation]]

Akash-NG - Revision history

SanglapGeographer at 00:28, 2 March 2026