Akash Missile System: India's Defence Export Success Story
India's Defence Secretary highlighted the Akash missile system as a major success, showcasing its growing global demand and export potential.
Source: GNews DRDO WeaponsIndia's Defence Secretary recently praised the Akash missile system, calling it one of the country's significant success stories in defence manufacturing. The Secretary emphasized the missile system's increasing global reach and its potential as a key defence export product for India. The Akash missile system is an indigenous, short-range, surface-to-air missile system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed to protect vulnerable areas and points from aerial attacks. The system can target aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its success in attracting international interest marks a significant step for India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives in the defence sector, aiming to boost domestic production and reduce import dependency. The Akash missile system has already been inducted into the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, proving its operational capabilities.
This news is important for competitive exams under UPSC GS Paper III (Science and Technology, Defence) and SSC General Awareness. It highlights India's progress in indigenous defence production and its growing role as a defence exporter. Aspirants should know about key defence systems like Akash, their developers, and their strategic significance for national security and economic growth through exports.
- Akash is an indigenous short-range surface-to-air missile system.
- It was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- The system can intercept aerial targets like aircraft and drones up to 25 km.
- Akash missile system has been inducted into the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
- India aims to boost defence exports to $5 billion by 2025.
- The missile system is part of India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.
Akash is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile system developed by India's DRDO. It can target aircraft up to 25 km away and at altitudes up to 18,000 meters. It uses a ramjet-rocket propulsion system and can carry a 60 kg warhead. The system is capable of neutralizing multiple targets simultaneously.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is the premier agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in New Delhi. DRDO is responsible for the development of defence technologies, systems, and products for the Indian military.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, meaning 'Self-Reliant India Campaign', is an economic package and vision announced by the Government of India in 2020. It aims to make India self-reliant across various sectors, including defence, by promoting local manufacturing, reducing imports, and boosting exports. It focuses on five pillars: Economy, Infrastructure, System, Demography, and Demand.
UPSC often asks about indigenous defence technologies, their developers (like DRDO), and their strategic importance. SSC exams may focus on the type of missile (surface-to-air) and its range.
Remember 'Akash' (sky) as a missile that protects from 'sky' threats (airborne targets).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the Akash missile system?
The Akash missile system has an operational range of up to 25 kilometers. It can intercept aerial threats such as fighter jets, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles at various altitudes.
Who developed the Akash missile system?
The Akash missile system was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. It is a product of India's integrated guided missile development program.
Which countries are interested in buying the Akash missile system?
While specific countries are not always publicly disclosed, several friendly foreign nations have shown interest in acquiring the Akash missile system, indicating its growing reputation in the global defence market.