India-Pakistan tensions: Key features of Akash missile system that helped repel drone attacks along LoC

The indigenously developed Akash surface-to-air missile defense system has proven its effectiveness in countering Pakistani drone attacks on India.

During the night between May 8 and 9, the Indian Army successfully defended against multiple drone incursions by Pakistan along the western border and the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Defense officials have confirmed that the Made-in-India Akash system has been instrumental in thwarting Pakistani attacks on Indian targets. Both the Indian Army and Air Force have strategically deployed this missile system along the entire Pakistan border.

"The Made in India Akash surface-to-air missile air defence system has been effectively used by the Indian armed forces in foiling Pakistani attacks towards Indian targets. Both the Indian Army and Air Force have the missile system all along the Pakistan border," defence officials said.

The made-in-India Akash defence system is a sophisticated medium-range surface-to-air missile platform designed to provide comprehensive aerial protection. It can effectively defend against multiple airborne threats, safeguarding mobile, semi-mobile, and static forces as well as vulnerable areas.

Here are the key features of Akash defence missile system:

• Type: This short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) protects mobile, semi-mobile, and stationary forces from aerial threats. It is equipped with advanced features and can move easily across different terrains.
  

• Primary Role: The primary role of this indigenous missile is to protect vulnerable areas and assets from enemy aircraft, drones and helicopters.
  

• Target Capability: The system can engage multiple threats simultaneously, either in group or autonomous mode. Its real-time multi-sensor data processing and threat evaluation enable it to target multiple threats from any direction at once.
  
• Range: The Akash air defence missile system operates at a range of 4.5 km to 25 km and is a medium-range surface-to-air system designed to protect forces from aerial threats.
  
• Altitude: Engages targets from as low as 100 metres up to 20 kilometres.
  
• Usage: The system is both flexible and up-scalable, capable of operating in group or autonomous modes. It employs command guidance and relies on phased array guidance radar to guide the missile until intercept.
  
• Dimensions: The Akash missile measures 5.87 metres in length, has a diameter of 350 millimetres, and weighs approximately 710 kilograms.
  
• Mobility: Entire system is mounted on mobile platforms; can be transported via road and rail with quick deployment capabilities.
  
• Response Time: It is fully automatic, featuring a rapid detection-to-kill cycle.
  
• Survivability: It is equipped with Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) to resist jamming.
  
• Interoperability: Open system architecture allows integration into current and future air defence networks.