NEW DELHI: India on Monday successfully test-fired the new-generation Akash missile from an integrated test range off the Odisha coast.
Akash-NG is a new generation Surface-to-Air Missile meant for use by IAF with an aim of intercepting high manoeuvring aerial threats.
In a statement, the DRDO said the missile intercepted the target with textbook precision and the launch met all test objectives by performing high manoeuvres during the trajectory.
"Performance of the Command and Control system, onboard avionics and aerodynamic configuration of the missile was successfully validated," the statement read.
The Akash-NG system has been developed with better deployability compared to other similar systems with canisterized launcher and much smaller ground system footprint. The test launch was carried out by a combined team of DRDO, BDL & BEL in the presence of the representatives of Indian Air Force.
The successful maiden test of surface-to-air Akash-NG assumed significance as it came a few days after the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Modi gave its nod to the export of Akash missile systems to "friendly" countries.