India successfully tests Akash missile after initial failure
18 Nov 2014
India finally saw success in the test-firing of its indigenous surface-to-air anti-aircraft missile Akash from the launch complex of Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha on Monday, the defence ministry said.
The missile with a strike range of 25 km was test-fired around 3.18pm today. "The trial was successful and it hit a target," said ITR director M V K V Prasad.
The 5.8-metre-long missile can carry warheads of 50kg and target aircraft up to 30km away. It carries a battery that can track and attack several targets simultaneously.
The missile had failed to intercept a pilotless aircraft during its last trial on 13 August. This time, it covered the target in 10 minutes.
The missile can neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles.
While the Air Force version has been inducted, the Army version is in the final stage of induction.
Serial tests of Akash will be conducted in the next two days, the ITR added.
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