Latest news with #AkashMissileDefenceSystem
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.com
10-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Who is Dr Prahlada Ramarao, the former DRDO scientist behind Aakash Missile Defence System which saved India from Pak missiles
Akash air defence missile system- File image Akash Missile Defence System: In a significant development amid the India-Pakistan conflict, India and Pakistan have announced ceasefire from 5 PM Saturday dated May 10, 2025. India's Ministry of External Affairs and Pakistan have also confirmed the same. However, the history will not forget the role of India made Akash Missile Defence System and S400 Missile Defence System. It has been reported that Akash Missile Defence System played a huge role in saving India from the missile and drone sent from Pakistan Moreover, do you know the personel who is behind the India made Akash Missile Defence System. As per a report by NDTV, the Akash system was developed over 15 years by Dr Prahlada Ramarao, a former DRDO scientist. Dr Ramarao was the youngest Project Director for the Akash programme when he was handpicked by India's 'missile man' and former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Other than the Akash Missile Defence System, Dr Ramarao has worked on almost all the types of missiles developed in India including surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, the Akash missile, Astra, and the BrahMos, Indo-Russian joint venture missile. 'It is the happiest day of life… seeing my baby work so accurately and beautifully in shooting down incoming enemy aerial targets,' Dr Ramarao was quoted as saying as per a report by NDTV. 'It worked beyond expectations… engaging incoming targets effectively', he added. What is Akash Missile Defence System The Akash system is a short range, surface-to-air missile system manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited in Hyderabad. With its built-in electronic counter-counter measures, it can engage targets at altitude of up to 20km. India deployed Barak-8 missiles, Akash missiles to thwart Pak attempts India deployed Barak-8 missiles, S-400 Triumph air defence systems, Akash surface-to-air missiles and indigenously developed anti-drone equipment in thwarting Pakistan's attempts to hit 15 Indian cities on Wednesday night, a report by news agency IANS said. Pakistani military attempted to target Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj using missiles and drones. Every single one of those missiles was intercepted or neutralised and none reached its intended target, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)
India.com
09-05-2025
- India.com
Akash missile defence system: India's shield in the sky
India's skies are safer than ever, thanks to the Akash Missile Defence System. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this homegrown system is like a strong shield protecting the nation from aerial dangers. In today's world, where wars involve missiles, drones, and advanced technology, Akash is India's answer to keeping its airspace secure. Fast, mobile, and accurate, this missile system strengthens India's air defence like never before. The name 'Akash' means 'sky' in Sanskrit, and it truly lives up to its name. It guards India's skies by stopping threats like enemy fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles. Deployed along borders and near important places like military bases, Akash gives the Indian Armed Forces the confidence to work without fear, even when enemies are watching. How Does Akash Work? The Akash system is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) platform, which means it shoots missiles from the ground to destroy targets in the air. It's a smart system that can detect, track, and destroy threats before they cause harm. Here's how it works in simple steps: Detection : Akash uses a powerful radar, like the Rajendra 3D radar, to spot enemy aircraft or missiles up to 100 km away. : Akash uses a powerful radar, like the Rajendra 3D radar, to spot enemy aircraft or missiles up to 100 km away. Tracking : Once it finds a target, the radar follows its every move, checking its speed, direction, and height. : Once it finds a target, the radar follows its every move, checking its speed, direction, and height. Decision : A control unit decides if the target is dangerous and needs to be stopped. : A control unit decides if the target is dangerous and needs to be stopped. Launch: If required, an Akash missile is fired straight up from a mobile launcher. If required, an Akash missile is fired straight up from a mobile launcher. Guidance: The missile gets real-time directions from the ground radar to stay on course. The missile gets real-time directions from the ground radar to stay on course. Destruction: When it gets close to the target, the missile explodes using a proximity fuse, destroying or damaging the enemy object. This process happens in seconds, making Akash quick and reliable. Key Features of Akash The Akash system is packed with features that make it a strong defender of India's skies. Here are some highlights: Range : It can hit targets 25–45 km away. : It can hit targets 25–45 km away. Altitude : It can take down threats flying as high as 18 km (about 60,000 feet). : It can take down threats flying as high as 18 km (about 60,000 feet). Speed : The missile travels at Mach 2.5, which is 2.5 times the speed of sound. : The missile travels at Mach 2.5, which is 2.5 times the speed of sound. Mobility : Mounted on trucks, Akash can move quickly to where it's needed. : Mounted on trucks, Akash can move quickly to where it's needed. Targets : It can destroy fighter jets, cruise missiles, helicopters, and drones. : It can destroy fighter jets, cruise missiles, helicopters, and drones. All-Weather: Akash works in rain, fog, or shine, day or night. Why Akash Is Important for India India faces many security challenges, from tense borders with neighbouring countries to the threat of terrorism and new aerial technologies like drones. For a long time, India depended on foreign systems to protect its skies. But Akash changes that. It's a proudly Indian system, built under the 'Make in India' mission, which means we can make it ourselves without relying on other countries. Self-Reliance : Akash reduces India's need for costly foreign missile systems. It's affordable and can be produced in large numbers. : Akash reduces India's need for costly foreign missile systems. It's affordable and can be produced in large numbers. Strategic Protection : The system is deployed in key areas, like the northeast and western borders near Pakistan and China, guarding against surprise attacks. : The system is deployed in key areas, like the northeast and western borders near Pakistan and China, guarding against surprise attacks. Proven Success: Akash has been tested many times, including live trials where it successfully shot down targets. For example, in 2021, the Indian Air Force demonstrated its accuracy by intercepting high-speed aerial targets. Operation Sindoor: Akash in Action On the night of May 7–8, 2025, the Akash Missile Defence System proved its strength during Operation Sindoor, a response to Pakistan's attack on 15 Indian military sites with drones and missiles. According to reports, the Indian Air Force used Akash, along with other systems like the S-400 and MRSAM, to neutralise the threats across 1,800 km of airspace, from Jammu to Bhuj. The Akash system successfully intercepted Pakistani drones and missiles, and even shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet, with sources suggesting a JF-17 was also hit. Integrated with the IAF's command system, Akash's 45-km range and ability to engage multiple targets at once ensured no hostile assets breached Indian airspace, with debris found in Jammu, Punjab, and Gujarat. This real-world success highlighted Akash's critical role in India's defence. Variants and Upgrades The DRDO, along with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), keeps improving Akash to make it even better. Two upgraded versions are: Akash-1S : This version has better accuracy and a new seeker to track targets more effectively. : This version has better accuracy and a new seeker to track targets more effectively. Akash-NG (New Generation): This advanced model has a lighter, two-pulse solid rocket motor and an active radar seeker. It's faster, deadlier, and can reach up to 50–60 km, ready for modern warfare. Fact-checking confirms that Akash-NG was successfully tested in January 2024, showing improved range and precision, making it a strong contender for future defence needs. How Akash Compares to Other Systems Akash fills an important gap in India's air defence by handling mid-range threats. Here's how it compares: S-400 (Russia) : A long-range SAM with a reach of up to 400 km. It's imported and costly. : A long-range SAM with a reach of up to 400 km. It's imported and costly. Akash (India): A medium-range SAM (25–45 km), fully made in India and budget-friendly. A medium-range SAM (25–45 km), fully made in India and budget-friendly. Barak-8 (India-Israel): A medium- to long-rang 8e SAM (70–100 km), used by the Navy and Air Force. A medium- to long-rang 8e SAM (70–100 km), used by the Navy and Air Force. QRSAM (India): A short-range, quick-reaction SAM for fast-moving targets. Together, these systems create a layered defence network, protecting India from threats at different distances and heights. India received its first S-400 squadron in 2021, with more deliveries ongoing, complementing Akash's role. The Road Ahead India isn't just using Akash for itself—it's also looking to sell it to other countries. Nations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, like Armenia and the Philippines, have shown interest. In 2023, Armenia signed a deal worth ₹6,000 crore for Akash systems, with deliveries expected by late 2024. With upgrades like Akash-NG, Indi 9a could become a major player in the global missile defence market. A Symbol of India's Strength In a world where aerial threats are growing—drones, stealth jets, and cruise missiles—India cannot afford to be unprepared. The Akash Missile Defence System is more than just a weapon. It's a symbol of India's growing technological power, its push for self-reliance, and its commitment to keeping the nation safe. From the snowy peaks of Ladakh to the deserts of Rajasthan, Akash is India's shield in the sky, protecting the dreams of 1.4 billion people. ( Girish Linganna is an award-winning science writer and Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@
