India's Indigenous Akash Air Defence System Shines As Armed Forces Thwart Pakistani Drone Attacks

The indigenously developed Akash surface-to-air missile system played a key role in thwarting multiple drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan on the intervening night of 8 and 9 May, news agency ANI reported citing defence officials.

According to the officials, both the Indian Army and Air Force had deployed Akash systems along critical sectors of the western border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The swift interception of hostile drones marked a successful coordinated response to Pakistan’s attempted provocation.

"The Made in India Akash surface-to-air missile air defence system has been effectively used by the Indian armed forces in foiling Pakistani attacks towards Indian targets. Both the Indian Army and Air Force have the missile system all along the Pakistan border," defence officials were quoted as saying by ANI.

The attacks reportedly involved multiple drones attempting to target Indian military assets.

However, due to the deployment of the Akash systems in key zones, no damage was reported.

The systems engaged the drones promptly, neutralising the threat.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash missile system provides area air defence against a variety of aerial threats including aircraft, UAVs, and cruise missiles.

It is equipped with command guidance and a phased array radar that enables accurate tracking and engagement.

The system’s cross-country mobility, real-time multi-sensor data processing, and ability to operate in both group and autonomous modes make it highly adaptable to dynamic combat scenarios.

Its threat evaluation and simultaneous target engagement capabilities allow it to neutralise threats approaching from multiple directions.

The system employs command guidance and relies on phased array guidance radar to guide the missile till intercept.

Here are the key features of the indigenous Akash Air Defence System:

• Large kill zone

• High level of automation enables effective operation

• 80 km coverage by Multi Function Radar and 120 km coverage by Central Acquisition Radar

• Tracking of multiple targets in Track-While-Scan (TWS) mode by Multi Function Radar

• 3D measurements of range, azimuth, and elevation by Central Acquisition Radar

• Simultaneous engagement of many targets with multiple missiles

• High jamming immunity in severe Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) environments

• High missile maneuverability

• Automatic checkout, launch, and abort facility for the missile

• Open system architecture enables wider operational network connectivity to other digital networks

• Point-to-multipoint communication capability

• Compact technical support equipment and an integrated logistics system are provided

Also Read: Rajnath Singh Holds Security Review Meet With Top Military Brass After India Thwarts Pakistan's Drone And Missile Attacks