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Man behind Akash explains DRDO invention and how it destroyed Pak drones, missiles
Prahlada Ramarao, the then project director of Akash, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO, said that the fully-indigenous missile system's credit goes to thousands of scientists who worked tirelessly for 15 years to develop it read more
The medium-range Akash air defence system is in service with the Indian Army and Air Force. (Photo: BEL)
The Akash missile defence system was the star of the show in the success of Operation Sindoor. The missile shield system was among the many other made-in-India weapons that were used in the military operation and found a mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation on Monday.
Akash is the brainchild of Prahlada Ramarao, who celebrated a proud moment after the missile system thwarted Pakistan's air incursions last week, as it launched its offensive following Operation Sindoor of the Indian armed forces.
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Ramarao, the then project director of Akash, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO, said that the fully-indigenous missile system's credit goes to thousands of scientists who worked tirelessly for 15 years to develop it.
'We started work on this project in 1994 with an initial budget of Rs 300 crore. When you invent something, you fail several times. We also failed. But we learnt from our mistakes. Developing Rajendra, a complex multi-function electronically scanned phased array radar, was the biggest challenge. But we overcame that challenge after several hits and trials. Later, the project budget was raised to Rs 500 crore,' he said.
How was Akash used in Op Sindoor?
The Akash defence system was put to the test for the first time in an active military combat during last week's Operation Sindoor. It was successfully used to counter Pakistani drones and missile attacks.
IAF DGMO Air Marshal AK Bharti spoke of the triumphs of Akash during a press briefing on Monday, asserting that the defence system 'stood like a wall' during the operation.
'My eyes welled up when my baby worked so well. It is the happiest day of my life. This is bigger than my Padma award,' Ramarao told TOI.
Who is Ramarao?
In the early 1990s, Ramarao was chosen by India's 'Missile Man', Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, to lead the Akash programme as its youngest project director at the age of 35. At the time, Kalam was heading the Defence Research Laboratory (DRL) in Hyderabad under the DRDO, before going on to serve as the scientific adviser to the defence minister and later becoming the President of India.
However, Akash is just one of his successes. Ramarao has also contributed significantly to the development of 10 different surface-to-air and air-to-air defence systems. He also played a role in the creation of Astra and BrahMos.
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