Latest news with #AkashMissile
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Op Sindoor displayed
New Delhi [India], May 18 (ANI): The Ministry of Defence in a statement said on Sunday that Operation Sindoor stands as a bold statement--India is united, future-ready, and resolute against cross-border terrorism. The MoD in its statement said that with effective Army-BSF coordination on the ground, India showcased seamless multi-domain warfare. 'Jointness is not just a vision--it's India's operational reality. Operation Sindoor, launched on May 07, 2025, marked a turning point in India's defence doctrine--demonstrating tri-services synergy, strategic depth, and technological dominance in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. With precision airstrikes on key targets like Nur Khan and Rahimyar Khan Air Bases, robust naval posturing through a Carrier Battle Group, and effective Army-BSF coordination on the ground, India showcased seamless multi-domain warfare. The operation was powered by integrated systems like IACCS and Akash Missile, and backed by major reforms: CDS-led DMA, Integrated Theatre Commands, Joint Logistics Nodes, and real-time joint exercises like Prachand Prahar and Desert Hunt. As the Armed Forces execute reforms under the 'Year of Defence Reforms 2025', Operation Sindoor stands as a bold statement--India is united, future-ready, and resolute against cross-border terrorism,' the statement said. Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 7, 2025, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians showcased a calibrated, tri-services response that embodied precision, professionalism, and purpose, the statement said. Operation Sindoor was conceived as a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan. Multi-agency intelligence provided confirmation of nine major camps that were eventually targeted in the operation. India's retaliatory action was based on meticulous planning and an intelligence-led approach, which ensured that the operations were conducted with minimal collateral damage. Operational ethics were central to the mission, and restraint was exercised to avoid civilian harm. (ANI)
News18
15-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
‘I Couldn't Speak': When Prahlada Ramarao Saw His ‘Baby' Akash Rule The Skies And Pakistan
Last Updated: He built it over decades. During Operation Sindoor, it delivered. Former DRDO scientist Prahlada Ramarao tells CNN-News18 what it meant to see his 'baby' Akash defend India In the wake of Operation Sindoor — India's calibrated military response to one of the deadliest terror attacks in Kashmir — Akash, the country's homegrown surface-to-air missile system, has taken centre stage in national security. In an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18's Rahul Shivshankar, Dr Prahlada Ramarao — Padma Shri awardee, former DRDO scientist, and the man who led the development of India's Akash missile system — opened up about the emotional and strategic significance of seeing his missile defend the nation in real-time conflict. When asked how it felt to see Akash deployed in an actual conflict zone, Dr Ramarao became visibly emotional. He recalled the moment he first heard that Akash had successfully intercepted enemy threats. 'I couldn't even speak," he admitted. 'My wife told me it had worked, and the first person I remembered was Dr Kalam." Personally chosen by India's 'Missile Man' Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in the early 1990s, Ramarao was appointed the youngest project director at just 35 to lead the Akash programme — a responsibility that would come to define his life's work. #AkashMissile | The science behind is the propulsion of the missile. We had to develop the ramjet propulsion system for the missile: Dr Prahlada Ramarao – Former DRDO Scientist (Creator of Akash Missile) #IndiaPakistan #AkashMissileDefenceSystem #TheHardFacts | @RShivshankar — News18 (@CNNnews18) May 14, 2025 Having spent over 15 years building the missile system from the ground up, he said Akash was like his own child — 'my baby" — and watching it succeed in battle was a moment of overwhelming pride. Akash's performance in Operation Sindoor — India's calibrated and strategic military response to the Pahalgam terror attack — marked a significant milestone not just for DRDO, but for India's evolving defence doctrine. Relying on stand-off precision weaponry, Indian forces were able to neutralise terrorist infrastructure without physically crossing the Line of Control or international boundary. Akash was central to this effort. Developed as a short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM), the system is designed to protect vulnerable areas and assets from aerial attacks. Configured entirely on mobile platforms, Akash can engage multiple targets in both autonomous and group modes, and features electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to neutralise jamming attempts. During Operation Sindoor, it operated alongside other platforms like Pechora, OSA-AK, and LLAD guns — together creating a layered defensive grid that proved essential in countering asymmetric threats including drone swarms and low-flying missiles. Reflecting on the journey from blueprint to battlefield, Dr Ramarao explained that while most missile systems are developed by scaling existing technology into deployable products, the Akash system demanded a more fundamental, scientific approach. There were two major breakthroughs involved. First, India had to develop a phased array radar — something that did not exist in the country at the time. The result was the Rajendra radar system, designed using complex microwave and RF engineering, digital electronics, and microelectronics. The second challenge was even greater: building a ramjet propulsion system that would allow Akash to maintain supersonic speeds till impact. At the time, only one other country in the world had such a capability. The propulsion system required deep expertise in propellant chemistry and high-speed aerodynamics, which India had to develop from scratch. On whether the Indian military was always confident about the missile's capabilities, Dr Ramarao clarified that while there wasn't resistance, there was some initial apprehension from both the Army and the Air Force. Their concerns, he said, centred around whether Akash could truly deliver the kind of target tracking accuracy and kill probability that modern warfare demands. 'They asked whether we could maintain a 99 per cent success rate at 25 kilometres," he said. 'We demonstrated that we could." He also recalled the pressure of leading the Akash project at just 35. He said the early years were filled with anxiety, but he was fortunate to lead a group of scientists spread across five DRDO laboratories who shared his passion and sense of mission. Together, they refined everything — from warhead lethality and radar signal integrity to fragment dispersion and impact pressure. 'We found the perfect recipe," he said. 'The credit belongs to the entire team." One of the most remarkable aspects of the Akash project was its budget. India managed to develop the missile system with one-tenth the funding typically required for similar projects in Western countries. Dr Ramarao said this was possible because of India's inherently frugal innovation model. 'Manpower, services — all are lower cost here. But our brainpower is no less," he said. 'We had limited resources. But we delivered." Despite the odds, Akash was not only completed but successfully inducted into India's defence architecture — and now stands as one of the key deterrents against airborne threats. Reflecting on the journey, Dr Ramarao said that for him, Akash is more than a missile. 'It is our collective resolve cast in steel," he said. 'Every time it flies, it represents the dreams and determination of a billion Indians." In a security environment increasingly shaped by technology, precision, and self-reliance, the story of Akash — and the visionary who built it — stands as a powerful reminder of what India can achieve when science, leadership, and national will converge. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : akash DRDO Operation Sindoor Surface to Air Missile Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 15, 2025, 14:27 IST News india 'I Couldn't Speak': When Prahlada Ramarao Saw His 'Baby' Akash Rule The Skies And Pakistan
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Science
- India Gazette
Akash Missile was 'dream project' of Dr Abdul Kalam: Scientist Prahlada Ramarao
By Shalini Bhardwaj New Delhi [India], May 14 (ANI): Prahlada Ramarao, former DRDO scientist behind India's Akash missile system, on Wednesday described the Akash Missile defence system as a dream project of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, revealing that it held a special place in his heart. Speaking to ANI, Scientist Prahlada Ramarao said, 'The indigenously developed defence missile system Akash was the dream and a favourite project of Dr Abdul Kalam. I wish he were here to witness this missile's performance. I can only thank him in my heart for his vision and support.' He shared insights into the crucial moments and challenges during the missile's development. The Akash missile, which has successfully intercepted enemy missile threats, was first conceptualised in 1983, when Ramarao was a young scientist at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad. At that time, he was working under the guidance of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the Director of the lab. In an interview with ANI, Ramarao reflected on the long journey of developing India's missile technology. He also highlighted his close collaboration with Kalam during the initial stages of the project in the 1980s. Recalling his early experiences, Ramarao said, 'In 1983, I was a junior scientist, working alongside Dr Kalam. He was my mentor, and we would frequently interact on testing and mathematical modelling. I vividly remember when Dr Kalam asked me a question, and I prepared a chart to present my findings to him. He was satisfied with the way I had perceived the problem.' The development of the Akash missile faced several hurdles. The missile, along with its radar systems and ground infrastructure, needed to function in perfect harmony to counter fast-moving, manoeuvring aircraft equipped with electronic warfare technology. Ramarao highlighted the unique challenges posed by the missile's design, particularly its ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously. It also included tackling the radar system and the speed of the missile. Despite the challenges, the entire team's dedication and the relentless support of Dr Kalam kept the project on track, he said. Ramarao explained the Akash missile's capabilities, particularly its ability to track and destroy multiple targets at once. Speaking about the system, he said, 'The missile is multi-target; we can engage up to 12 missiles simultaneously. It can engage both manoeuvring and non-manoeuvring targets, fly at varying altitudes, and carry electronic warfare capabilities.' Highlighting the accuracy of the missile, he added, 'The precision, accuracy, and lethality are so advanced that if the missile gets close to its target, the aircraft is guaranteed to be destroyed. This is the high 'kill-probability' that we've engineered into the system.' Ramarao also noted that the Akash missile continues to evolve with time and inputs from the armed forces. 'Every 2-3 years, we upgrade the missile based on feedback from the armed forces. Their support and collaboration ensure we stay ahead of the curve,' he said. On the question of cost, Ramarao underscored its affordability and strategic value. 'The Akash missile is priceless--not just for its technological excellence, but because it is Made in India. We fabricate the components locally and provide ongoing support and upgrades to our armed forces,' he said. Comparing it to foreign missile systems, he noted, 'For the same performance, the Akash is only half the cost of similar systems from Europe or other countries. The development cost of the ground systems is also just one-tenth of that of foreign alternatives, making it an incredibly attractive solution.' With its successful testing and eventual deployment, the Akash missile system became a cornerstone of India's defence, playing a vital role in safeguarding the country against external threats. Ramarao's perseverance and Dr Kalam's visionary leadership turned what began as an ambitious dream in the 1980s into a significant defence milestone for India. Operation Sindoor emerged as a calibrated military response to an evolving pattern of asymmetric warfare, one that increasingly targets unarmed civilians along with military personnel. The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025 served as a grim reminder of this shift. India's response was deliberate, precise, and strategic. Without crossing the Line of Control or international boundary, Indian forces struck terrorist infrastructure and eliminated multiple threats. However, beyond tactical brilliance, what stood out was the seamless integration of indigenous hi-tech systems into national defence. Whether in drone warfare, layered air defence, or electronic warfare. As part of Operation Sindoor, Battle-proven AD (Air Defence) systems like the Pechora, OSA-AK and LLAD guns (Low-level air defence guns). Indigenous systems such as the Akash demonstrated stellar performance. AKASH is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile system to protect vulnerable areas and vulnerable points from air attacks. The AKASH Weapon System can simultaneously engage multiple targets in group mode or autonomous mode. It has built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features. The entire weapon system has been configured on mobile platforms. (ANI)
India.com
12-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Akash, BrahMos, Sky Striker Drones: Made-in-India weapons that destroyed Pakistan's defences
Akash, BrahMos, Sky Striker Drones: Made-in-India weapons that destroyed Pakistan's defences The world has witnessed the prowess of Akash, BrahMos and Sky Striker suicide drones during the recent operation against Pakistan. These weapons are milestones in India's defence sector. In the recent faceoff, these weapons have not only become the basis for breaking Pakistan's confidence, but have also raised India as a self-reliant and powerful defence power. In recent years, India has made significant progress in the development of indigenous technology in the defence sector. Organisations such as Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) manufacture world-class weapon systems. Now, India also exports defence equipment to other countries. These weapons are known for their accuracy, speed and destructive power, and their role in the recent India-Pakistan tension was significant. Let us look at the features, importance, and role of these weapons. Akash Missile It is India's indigenous surface-to-air missile system which is developed by DRDO. Thee is no doubt that this missile system has become the backbone of the Indian Air Force and Army. Akash Missile plays an important role in air defence. The Akash missile is capable of hitting targets at a distance of 25-45 kms, and up to an altitude of 18,000 meters. It can destroy – fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones and ballistic missiles with an accuracy of 90 percent. Recent Performance India's Akash missile system successfully intercepted and neutralced multiple Pakistani drone and missile attacks between May 8th and 10th, 2025. The system destroyed a Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet in Srinagar, a Fateh-1 missile in Punjab, and several DJI military drones and PL-15 missiles. This successful defence highlights the Akash system's effectiveness as a crucial component of India's air Defence capabilities. BrahMos Missile The BrahMos is built by a joint venture between India and Russia. It is considered to be the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile. This missile is used by Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. It is known for its speed, accuracy and destructive power. The missile flies at a speed of Mach 2.8, which is about three times the speed of sound. Its latest versions are moving towards hypersonic speeds. The Brahmos missile has a range of 290 km but in recent years its range has been increased to 900-1500 can be launched from land, sea, submarine and air. Recent performance On May 11, 2025, India launched a series of military strikes against seven Pakistani air bases, codenamed 'Operation Sindoor'. The operation, which marked the first combat use of the BrahMos missile, reportedly caused significant damage to Pakistani airfields and infrastructure in cities including Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi. Sky Striker Suicidal Drone or Kamikaze Weapon India and Israel have collaboratively developed Sky Striker, a self-guided, kamikaze drone. This drone's key features are its precision targeting and its 'fire and forget' operational capability. The Sky Striker drone possesses a significant loitering capability, enabling extended surveillance and precise targeting of small, high-value assets. Its payload capacity of 5-10 kg of explosives allows for effective destruction of such targets. Recent performance On May 7, 2025, Sky Striker drones conducted a precision operation, codenamed 'Operation Sindoor,' targeting nine terrorist facilities in Pakistan. These strikes, which included madrassas associated with Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar, significantly weakened Pakistan's terrorist infrastructure and military capabilities.
