Akash Prime Missile: India’s Upgraded Surface-to-Air Defence System

Akash Prime is an upgraded Indian surface-to-air missile system developed by DRDO, featuring an indigenous RF seeker, high-altitude performance, and enhanced accuracy—recently tested successfully above 15,000 ft in Ladakh to strengthen India’s air defence along strategic borders.

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Context: India successfully tested the Akash-Prime in Ladakh and Prithvi-2 & Agni-1 from Odisha.

About Akash Prime Missile

It is an enhanced version of the Akash missile system, specifically optimised for operations in high-altitude regions (above 4,500 metres).
It is a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to defend mobile, semi-mobile, and static military assets against various aerial threats.
Major Upgrades:
- Indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker: Enabling it to emit radio signals and accurately track and engage targets during the final phase of its flight.
- Performance: To ensure reliable performance in low-temperature and high-altitude conditions.
The missile can engage targets within a range of approximately 25 to 30 kilometres.

About Agni-1 Missile

It is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with a range of 700 to 900 km.
It is a single-stage, solid-fuel missile.
Recent Upgrades:
- An advanced guidance system for enhanced accuracy.
- A new warhead to improve its destructive capability.
Inducted by the Indian Army’s Strategic Forces Command in 2007 for operational deployment.
Agni-1 is a product of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), which began in 1983.

About Prithvi-II Missile

Prithvi-II is a surface-to-surface, nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missile (SRBM).
It has a strike range of 350 km.
Powered by liquid-propelled twin engines, offering high thrust and flexibility.
Equipped with an advanced inertial guidance system and a manoeuvring trajectory, ensuring high-precision targeting.
It is a proven and reliable missile system of the Indian armed forces.
Inducted into service in 2003, it has since been part of India’s strategic arsenal.
Prithvi-II was one of the first missiles developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) launched by the Government of India.