On July 16, 2025, Indian Army(IA) successfully conducted the First of Production Model firing trial of Akash Prime, the upgraded version of the Akash Weapon System, in the eastern Ladakh sector, located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at altitudes above 4,500 metres (m) (over 15,000 feet).
- During these two day trials, the missile intercepted and destroyed two high-speed unmanned aerial targets, proving its effectiveness and operational readiness for high-altitude deployment.
- These trials were conducted by the IA’s Corps of Army Air Defence (AAD) in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with industry partners Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
About Akash Prime:
i.Akash Prime, developed by the DRDO, is an indigenously developed medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aerial targets at high altitudes.
- It operates in fire-and-forget mode with command guidance, real-time data processing, and fully automatic threat evaluation.
ii.It is an advanced variant of the existing Akash system, equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for higher target precision in diverse weather and terrain conditions.
- The system combines the Rajendra radar, command-and-control unit, and missile launcher to provide multi-layered defence.
iii.The system is engineered to function efficiently at altitudes above 4,500 m, with a target range of 25 to 30 kilometres (km).
iv.The system features a modified ground support setup derived from earlier Akash variants and is capable of engaging high-speed, manoeuvrable aerial threats.
v.These tests were part of the First of Production Model (FoPM) firing trials, marking an important milestone in the timely deployment of Akash Prime into operational service.
Note: Akash Weapon System is part of India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), offering layered air defence with platforms ranging from short-range missiles to long-range systems like S-400 (Russia’s missile).
India Tests Prithvi-II and Agni-I in Odisha:
On 17th July 2025, India test-fired two nuclear-capable Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs) : ‘Prithvi-II’ and ‘Agni-I’ from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha.
- These tests were conducted under the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), forms part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), and were part of periodic training launches to validate key performance parameters.
i.Prithvi-II has a range of up to 350 km and can carry a payload of up to 500 kilograms (kg). It is powered by liquid fuel and can carry conventional and nuclear warheads.
ii.Agni-I has a longer range of 700–900 km and is powered by solid fuel. It can carry payloads up to 1,000 kg.
iii.Both missiles are integral components of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy and have proven accuracy in operational roles.
About Indian Army (IA):
Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS)– General Upendra Dwivedi
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 1895
Motto– Seva Paramo Dharma (Service Before Self)
