An Akash battery comprises a single PESA 3D Rajendra radar and four launchers with three missiles each, all of which are interlinked. Each battery can track up to 64 targets and attack up to 12 of them. The missile has a 60 kg (130 lb) high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead with a proximity fuse. The Akash system is fully mobile and capable of protecting a moving convoy of vehicles. The launch platform has been integrated with both wheeled and tracked vehicles. While the Akash system has primarily been designed as an air defence SAM, it also has been tested in a missile defense role. The system provides air defence missile coverage for an area of 2,000 km2 (770 sq mi). The Indian military's combined orders of the Akash, including radar systems (WLR and Surveillance), have a total worth of ₹28,800 crore (equivalent to ₹400 billion or US$4.8 billion in 2023).[12][13][14] As per Ministry of Defence (MoD) Report 2018, existing order of Akash saved ₹34,500 crore (equivalent to ₹460 billion or US$5.5 billion in 2023) of foreign exchange for India on imports.[15]
Description
System
Akash missile destroying target
Each Akash battery consists of four self-propelled Launchers (three Akash SAMs each), a Battery Level Radar – the Rajendra, and a Command post (Battery Control Centre). Two batteries are deployed as a Squadron (Air Force), while up to four form an Akash Group/Regiment (Army configuration). In both configurations, an extra Group Control Centre (GCC) is added, which acts as the Command and Control HQ of the Squadron or Group. Based on a single mobile platform, GCC establishes links with Battery Control Centres and conducts air defense operations in coordination with air defense set up in a zone of operations. For early warning, the GCC relies on the Central Acquisition Radar. However, individual batteries can also be deployed with the cheaper, 2-D BSR (Battery Surveillance Radar) with a range of over 100 km.
Akash has an advanced automated functioning capability. The 3D CAR automatically starts tracking targets at a distance of around 150 km providing early warning to the system and operators. The target track information is transferred to GCC. GCC automatically classifies the target. BSR starts tracking targets around a range of 100 km. This data is transferred to GCC. The GCC performs multi-radar tracking of up to 200 targets and carries out track correlation & data fusion. Target position information is sent to the BLR which uses this information to acquire the targets.
The BCC which can engage a target(s) from the selected list at the earliest point of time is assigned the target in real time by the GCC. The availability of missiles and the health of the missiles are also taken into consideration during this process. Fresh targets are assigned as and when intercepts with assigned targets are completed. A single shot kill probability of 88% has been achieved by the system taking into consideration various parametres of the sensors, guidance command, missile capabilities and kill zone computations.
There are a number of possibilities for deploying Akash weapon system in autonomous mode and in group mode for neutralizing the threat profiles with defined multi-target engagement scenarios. In the Group mode we can have number of configurations to defend vulnerable areas depending upon nature and expected threat pattern, characteristics of threat. Similarly, multiple batteries in autonomous mode can be deployed to defend vulnerable areas/points. In a Group formation, the four Batteries can be deployed in various geometric formations, as suited to the vulnerable area being protected and the extent desired to be sanitized from enemy air threat. In a box deployment pattern, an Akash group can defend an area of 62 km x 62 km. In a linear array configuration, it covers an area of 98 km x 44 km. Trapezoidal configuration gives defense to the largest area as compared to any other pattern of deployment covering an area of size 5,000 square km.[16]
Each Akash battery can engage up to four targets simultaneously with 24 ready to fire missiles. Each battery has four launchers with three missiles, while each Rajendra able to guide eight missiles in total, with a maximum of two missiles per target. Up to a maximum of four targets can be engaged simultaneously by a typical battery with a single Rajendra if one (or two) missile is allotted per target. A single Akash missile has an 88% probability of kill. Two missiles can be fired, five seconds apart, to raise the probability of Kill to 98.5%. Communications between the various vehicles are a combination of wireless and wired links. The entire system is designed to be set up quickly and to be highly mobile for high survivability. The Akash system can be deployed by rail, road or air.
Missile
Akash missile test fired for very low altitude near boundary mission on 18 June 2014.
Akash is a surface-to-air missile with an intercept range of 25 km.[3] It has a launch weight of 720 kg, a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.78 meters. Akash flies at supersonic speed, reaching around Mach 2.5. It can reach an altitude of 20 km and can be fired from both tracked and wheeled platforms.[3] An on-board guidance system coupled with an actuator system makes the missile maneuverable up to 15g loads and a tail chase capability for end game engagement. A digital proximity fuse is coupled with a 55 kg pre-fragmented warhead, while the safety arming and detonation mechanism enables a controlled detonation sequence. A self-destruct device is also integrated. It is propelled by an Integrated Ramjet Rocket Engine. The use of a ramjet propulsion system enables sustained speeds without deceleration throughout its flight.[17] The Missile has command guidance in its entire flight.[18]
The design of the missile is somewhat similar to that of the 2K12 Kub with four long tube ramjet inlet ducts mounted mid-body between wings. For pitch/yaw control four clipped triangular moving wings are mounted on the mid-body. For roll control four inline clipped delta fins with ailerons are mounted before the tail. However, the internal schematic shows a different layout with an onboard digital computer, absence of semi-active seeker, different propellant, different actuators and command guidance with datalinks. The Akash carries an onboard radio-proximity fuse.
Composite technology for Akash includes radome assemblies, booster liners, ablative liners, sustainer liners, compression molded wings and fins.[19] The aerodynamic characterization research was conducted at the National Aerospace Laboratories' 1.2m Trisonic Wind Tunnel Facility.[20]
Propulsion
The Akash, like the Russian 2K12 Kub (SA-6 Gainful), utilizes an integrated ramjet-rocket propulsion system, which, after initial rocket motor burnout, provides sustained thrust for the missile throughout its flight until interception.[21]
The missile is guided by a phased array fire control radar called 'Rajendra' which is termed as Battery Level Radar (BLR) with a tracking range of about 60 km.[22] The tracking and missile guidance radar configuration consists of a slewable phased array antenna of more than 4,000 elements, spectrally pure TWT transmitter, two stage superheterodyne correlation receiver for three channels, high speed digital signal processor, real time management computer and a powerful radar data processor.[23] It can track 64 targets in range, azimuth and height and guide eight missiles simultaneously in ripple fire mode towards four targets. The radar has advanced ECCM features. The Rajendra derivative on a BMP-2 chassis and to be used by the Indian Air Force is known as the Battery Level Radar-II whereas that for the Army, is based on a T-72 chassis and is known as the Battery Level Radar-III.
The Army version also consists of the Battery Surveillance Radar (BSR). BSR is a track vehicle based, long range sensor, interfaced with the BCC. It can detect and track up to 40 targets in range and azimuth up to a range of 100 km.[24]
Long range target acquisition is performed by the 3D Central Acquisition Radar (3D CAR), which is a long range surveillance radar that can track up to 200 targets in Track while Scan mode (detecting, tracking and processing) in three dimensions at a range of 180 km. It provides azimuth, range and height coordinates of targets to the Group Control Centre (GCC) through secure communication links. The data is used to cue the weapon control radar.[23][25]
The Army's radar and launchers are based on the T-72 chassis built by the Ordnance Factories Board's Ordnance Factory Medak to accompany the Army's fast moving armoured formations.[26] The Air Force versions use a combination of tracked and wheeled vehicle. The Air Force Akash launcher consists of a detachable trailer which is towed by a Tata truck, which can be positioned autonomously. The Air Force launcher is designed by Larsen & Toubro jointly with DRDO.[27] Both the Army and Air Force launchers have three ready-to-fire Akash missiles each. The launchers can slew in both elevation and azimuth. The Army Self-Propelled Launcher (ASPL) is 360 degrees slewable and its arc in elevation is from 6 to 60 degrees. The Akash Air Force Launcher (AAFL) is 360 degree slewable, in elevation it can fire from 8 to 55 degrees in all directions depending on the mode of deployment.[28] Akash Air force launcher features an All electro servo drive system for fully automated and remote operation.[19]
To enable the Akash group to perform self-sufficient in the combat zone, a number of supporting specialist vehicles have been designed and developed. They are mobile and field-worthy. Their design is based on the role and task to be performed and the vehicles are accordingly allocated to the Group HQ, the Batteries, Assembly Line Area and the Field maintenance workshop. Some of the vehicles are: the Missile Transportation Vehicle (MTV), the Transportation and Loading Vehicle (TLV), the Mobile Station for Missile Checkout (MSMC) Vehicle, the Air Compressor Vehicle (ACV), the Power Supply vehicles (GPSV, BPSV), the Engineering Support, Maintenance and Repair vehicles (GEM, BEM) and a few others. These specialist vehicles assemble and prepare missiles, deliver them to Batteries, carry maintenance spares and fuel, and provide logistical engineering support. Their allocation provides for flexibility and self-sufficiency to the whole Akash Group.[29]
Development and history
Mark-I
The first test flight of Akash missile was conducted in 1990, with development flights up to March 1997.
Two Akash missiles intercepted two fast moving targets in simultaneous engagement mode in 2005. 3-D Central Acquisition Radar (3D-CAR) group mode performance is also fully established.[30][31]
The Akash Missile Development cost of ₹1,000 crore (€150 million; $200 million), including the project sanction of ₹600 crore (€90 million; $120 million), is 8-10 times lower than the cost of similar system developments in other countries. Akash has certain unique characteristics like mobility, all-the-way-powered flight till target interception, multiple target handling, digitally-coded command guidance and fully automatic operation.[12]
For the first time, Akash showed in Exercise Astrashakti 2023 that it could engage four targets at once under command guidance with a single fire unit at a maximum range of about 30 km. The targets were divided to attack defense assets from various angles and were approaching from the same direction in a close formation.[32]
Akash-1S
Akash-1S missile test on 27 May 2019
There was demand from Indian Armed Forces for a missile with a seeker that can target inbound targets more accurately for which the DRDO offered an upgraded Akash with an indigenous seeker named Akash-1S. DRDO tested Akash-1S on 25 May and 27 May 2019 with a strike range of 30 km that has the capability to carry warhead of 60 kg from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha with the overall performance of indigenous seeker and guidance system consistently established during the period. Akash-1S was fired five times against multiple targets and successfully completed the trials.[33] It supports the combination of both command and active terminal seeker guidance to enhance the single shot kill probability[34] and is capable of striking down fighter jets and drones at a distance of around 18 to 30 km that can be fired from both tracked and wheeled platforms for greater mobility.[35]
Akash Prime
Akash-Prime SAM
On 27 September 2021, DRDO test fired a new version of missile called Akash Prime. It intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking enemy aircraft, in its maiden flight. Akash Prime is based on the existing Akash SAM. The missile is equipped with an improved active Ku, X band monopulse radio-frequency (RF) seeker developed by Research Center Imarat to further increase the accuracy. Akash Prime is also optimized for low temperature and high altitude operations with modified ground system.[36][37] The improved RF seeker has 360° engagement capability. Akash Prime consists of a long-range surveillance radar, a target and missile tracking radar, a troop control centre, and the launchers.[38]
A successor missile with a new design Akash – New generation abbreviated as Akash-NG was approved in September 2016 with a funding of ₹470 crore (equivalent to ₹676 crore or US$81 million in 2023) to succeed Akash and Akash-1S with improved capabilities.[39] Akash-NG will have an improved reaction time and higher level of protection against saturation attacks. The second stage uses dual-pulse solid rocket motor which is lighter instead of air-breathing solid ramjet engine to increase the overall range from current 25–30 km to 70–80 km, an active electronically scanned array Multi-Function Radar (MFR) and optical proximity fuze.[40][41]
Trials
Between 14 and 21 December 2007, the Indian Air Force completed user trials for this missile. The trials were declared successful after the missile hit the target on five occasions. Multiple target handling capability of Akash weapon system was demonstrated by live firing in C4I environment. The last trial was conducted at 2:15 pm IST on 21 December. Before the ten-day trial at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha, ECCM Evaluation tests were carried out at Gwalior Air Force Station and mobility trials were carried out in Pokhran. The IAF had evolved the user Trial Directive to verify the Akash's consistency. The trials included firing missiles against multiple targets which included low-flying near-range target, long-range high-altitude target, crossing and approaching target and ripple firing of two missiles from the same launcher against a low-altitude receding target.[42]
From 24 May to 6 June 2012, the Air Force version of the Akash missile, with a strike range of 25 km and 60 kg warhead, was tested five times from the Launch Complex-III (LC-3) of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur off the Odisha coast. These were user specific trials and a part of the routine air defence exercises of India. On 24 May 2012, India successfully test fired Akash missile to revalidate technology and operational efficacy. The target was a floating object towed by a Pilotless Target Aircraft. [43] On 26 and 28 May, the missile were test fired again in a similar way.[44][45] Two of the missile tests in May failed as the missile did not take-off as they were scheduled for successive launches.[46] On 1 June, two Air Force variant missiles were fired back-to-back from the ITR.[47] On 6 June at 07:57 am IST, two of the Air Force version of the missile from the LC-III of the ITR. This was the fifth trial of the missile system variant since 24 May 2012.[48][49][50]
On 21 and 24 February 2014, the Indian Army successfully tested the Akash missiles from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. The tests were a part of pre-induction trials by the Army. On 21 February, the missile hit an aproaching target towed by PTA Lakshya. On 24 February, the missile hit an receding target at a distance of 19 km. The missiles were part of the first of Production Model system being producedto equip the 2 regiments on order for the Army.[51][52]
From 23 April to 2 May 2014, the Indian Air Force tested the Akash system from LC-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur on four days. On 23 April, the Akash missiles failed to intercept the target from the Pilotless Target Aircraft. The PTA was launched from Launch Complex-II (LC-2) of the ITR at around 2:30 pm IST. The missile is designed to pass through the "missed-distance proximity" (MDP) causing "auto-detonation" of the proximity fuse. However, the missile missed the MDP.[46] On 26 April, Indian Air Force successfully tested 2 Akash missiles taken from the production lot against an incoming and a receding target both towed by PTA Lakshya. All the assets including missiles, launchers, radar, command centres and the drone was being controlled by Air Force personnel. The test was conducted from the ITR Complex.[53] On 29 April, Two more trials were expected to be conducted.[54] However, the PTA failed to take off resulting in the postponement of the tests. On 1 May, PTA Lakshya was launched from LC-2 of the ITR. The missile which was expected to intercept the target after 15 minutes, failed to take off from LC-3. The problem was speculated as perennial technical problem of the missile. This was the missile’s second failure in the recent seven-test series by the IAF.[55] On 2 May, the same tests were carried out where the missile hit para-barrel targets successfully. The test was conducted from LC-3 at 2:28 pm IST.[56]
On 3 August 2014, Akash missile test-fired from LC-3 of the ITR at Chandipur off the Odisha coast. The test was described as "fully successful" by the Director of ITR.[57]
In November 2014, training user trials of the Akash surface-to-air supersonic missiles were completed successfully on Friday. The trials were conducted for 5 consecutive days. All mission parameters, as set by the Indian Air Force (IAF) team, were validated.[58]
On 11 to 13 April 2015, Indian Army successfully conducted six rounds of user trials of the missile. The tests were conducted from complex 3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. The missiles targeted pilot less target aircraft (PTA) Lakshya, unmanned air vehicle (UAV) 'Banshee' and a para barrel target, two times each.[59][60][61][62][63]
On 28 January 2016, the missile was successfully test fired from Launch Complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha. As part of a user trial from the ITR, three rounds of test were carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel aiming at para-barrel target between 11 pm and 2 pm IST. Tests were aimed at gauging the flight consistency and effectiveness of the missile, besides ascertaining the serviceability of the system in various conditions.[64][65][66]
On 8 March 2016, Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated the missile at the exercise Iron Fist 2016.[67][68]
On 28 and 29 November 2017, the Indian Air Force carried out 3 tests of the missile from Launch Complex 3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) against electronic targets.[69][70]
On 30 November 2017, Indian Army successfully tested fired five Akash missiles at Integrated Test Range (ITR) against multiple targets.[71]
On 5 December 2017, another test with an indigenous radio frequency seeker was successfully carried out by the Army against a Banshee aerial drone.[72][73]
On 3 December 2020, the Indian Air Force carried out 10 missile firing at Suryalanka to bolster its capability among ongoing Indo-Sino border tension. The missiles were fired to validate different scenario and majority of the missiles scored a direct kill further establishing the efficacy of Akash missile.[74]
On 17 December 2023, during an exercise Astraskati the Indian Air Force fired 4 missile simultaneously from 2 Akash launcher of a single firing unit neutralizing 4 UAV's simultaneously using command guidance. All target were detected and shot down at the maximum range of 30 km. This marks the Akash system as the first system in the world to successfully track and destroy 4 target using a single firing unit in command guidance. These tests were conducted from the new units ordered by Indian Air Force.[75][76]
Each missile is expected to have starting costs below US$500,000 i.e. under ₹2 crore[79] which is less than half the cost of similar Western missiles which usually cost between US$1.2-1.5 million (₹5-6 crore) each.[80] It is expected that this cost will further decrease because of the economies of scale achieved as production ramps up.[79] The Indian military (IAF & IA) have a combined order worth ₹23,300 crore ($5.18 billion).[81] As of 3 August 2014, the Air Force version has already been inducted while the Army version is in the final stage of its trial.[57] The Army version was inducted on 5 May 2015, as was tweeted by MoD Spokesman.[82][83] On 16 March 2016, Director of Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), said that India is looking to double missile production to 100 per month, up from 50 to 60.[84][85]
A Comptroller and Auditor General report released in 2017 stated that because of a lack of adequate storage facilities, the life span of the missiles may be affected. In addition, there was a 30% failure rate during testing of missiles in inventory with 6 out of 20 missiles failing to hit their targets.[86][87][88]
Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force was satisfied with the performance of Akash after extensive flight trials and has decided to induct the weapon system. An order for two squadrons were placed initially, with these being inducted in 2009. The IAF found the missile performance to be satisfactory and was expected to place orders for 16 more launchers to form two more squadrons for India's northeast theater.[26][80][89]
In May 2008, the Indian Air Force decided to induct two squadrons (totaling 4 batteries) of Akash missile.[90][43]
In March 2009, Tata Power's Strategic Engineering Division (Tata Power SED) announced that it had secured the ₹182 crore (equivalent to ₹458 crore or US$55 million in 2023) order for 16 Akash launchers to be delivered in the next 33 months.[91]
In January 2010, it was revealed that the Indian Air Force had ordered for 6 more squadrons. Each squadron will consist of 125 missiles, bringing the order to 750 missiles for 6 squadrons.[92] The first two squadrons will consist of 48 missiles each[93] while future squadrons will vary in number depending on the IAF. The additional missiles were ordered from state-run defence behemoth Bharat Electronics, who will act as the system integrator, at a cost of ₹4,279 crore (equivalent to ₹96 billion or US$1.2 billion in 2023).[94]
In February 2010, the Indian Air Force accepted the Akash missile system as a substantial part of its arsenal.[95]
IAF orders may also rise as it phases out its Pechoras and if the Indo-Israeli JV to develop a MRSAM (Medium Range SAM) for the IAF continues to be put on hold, while a similar program for the Indian Navy proceeds unimpeded.[96][97]
Night launch of Akash missile in Vayu Shakti Exercise 2019.
On 3 March 2012, the missile was officially inducted into Indian Air Force with a ceremony at Hyderabad.[98]
On 10 July 2015, the Akash surface-to-air missile was formally inducted in the Indian Air Force at Gwalior.[99][100]
On 1 September 2015, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the purchase of seven additional squadrons of the Akash missile for the Indian Air Force.[101][102] On 12 September 2019, it was reported that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared the procurement in late August.[7] Later, a contract worth ₹5,400 crore (equivalent to ₹67 billion or US$800 million in 2023) for the deal was signed with Bharat Electronics the same month. The order placed was for Akash Prime missile squadrons.[103]
Indian Army
Akash missiles during Republic Day 2017 parade
In June 2010, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared an order of the Akash missile system, valued at ₹12,500 crore (equivalent to ₹280 billion or US$3.4 billion in 2023). Bharat Dynamics (BDL) will be the system integrator and nodal production agency for the Akash Army variant.[12] The Army plans to induct two regiments of the missile.[104]
In March 2011, a report indicates that the Indian Army has ordered 2 Akash regiments – approximately 2,000 missiles – worth ₹14,180 crore (equivalent to ₹290 billion or US$3.5 billion in 2023).[105] These will replace the Indian Army's 2 SA-6 Groups (25 systems with 1,500 missiles each), which were inducted between 1977 and 1979.[106]
On 5 May 2015, Akash Missile was inducted into the Indian Army.[107][108] The Army is scheduled to get two Akash regiments by 2017.[109][110]
On 30 March 2016, Indian Army stated that Akash area defence missile systems did not meet its operational requirements for defending its strike corps against enemy air attacks in forward areas, and was not ordering any more regiments. The Army instead was opting for four Israeli quick reaction SAM regiments.[111][112]
In May 2022, it was reported that the Indian Army is going to receive 2 regiments of Akash Prime systems. On 30 March 2023, the MoD signed contracts for procurement of 2 Regiments of improved Akash Weapon System with BDL at a cost over ₹8,160 crore (US$980 million).[113]
By 22 December 2023, the IAF has inducted three of the Akash Prime squadrons which employs the Rajendra Mk-II radars with additional squadrons to be indicted before year-end.[116]
The Indian Army has deployed one Akash Regiment in June–July 2015, with the second one to be ready by end of 2016.[117]
In 2022, Akash SAM was seen in a Sudanese Military Exhibition which showcased weapon systems operated by the Sudanese Armed Forces. In 2023, the Indian MoD also mentioned Akash in the list of multiple exported items, sparking speculations of the system's maiden export to Sudan.[125][126]
As per reports in December 2023, Brazil and Egypt has also shown interest as per defence official.[127][128]
Armenia
Armenia placed an order for 15 Akash missile system for an order of ₹6,000 crore (US$720 million). The delivery of the system is expeceted to take begin from Q2 2024.[129][128][130] As of August 2024, India is expected to deliver the Akash 1S systems later this year.[131] On 12 November 2024, it was reported that the first battery of the Akash Weapon System, comprising four launchers with 3 missiles each and a Rajendrafire-control radar, was transferred to Armenia by Bharat Electronics.[132][133]
Indian Air Force – 8 Akash Mk1 and 3 Akash Prime Squadrons in service (8 launchers per squadron)[103][116] 4 more Akash Prime squadrons being inducted.[102][134]
Indian Army – 2 Akash Mk1 regiments in service (24 launchers per regiment). 2 Akash Prime regiments on order.[135]
Armenian Armed Forces – 1 battery or 4 launchers delivered as of November 2024.[132] 15 Akash Air Defence System on order from Bharat Dynamics Limited.[128][130]
^Reporter, B. S. (3 February 2010). "Missile boost for BEL". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
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