Sanjay pandita
Early Times Report
Jammu, July 17, 2025 – India marked a significant milestone in its defence capabilities with the successful test of the Akash Prime Weapon System, an advanced variant of the Akash missile system, in Ladakh. The upgraded system, tailored for high-altitude operations above 4,500 meters, effectively neutralized two high-speed unmanned aerial targets during trials conducted on July 16, 2025.
The Akash Prime, developed indigenously for the Indian Army, incorporates cutting-edge technology, including a fully indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, enhancing its precision and reliability in challenging terrains and diverse weather conditions. The system is designed to intercept aerial targets within a 25–30-kilometer range and has been optimized for extreme cold and low-oxygen environments, making it ideal for high-altitude deployments.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the success on X, sharing a video of the trial and praising the collaborative efforts of the Indian Army, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and industry partners, including Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited. “This achievement is a major boost to India’s air defence capabilities, particularly in meeting high-altitude operational requirements,” Singh stated.
The trials, part of the First of Production Model (FoPM) firing tests, validated the system’s performance and pave the way for its timely induction into the Indian Army. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, congratulated the teams, noting that Akash Prime addresses critical air defence needs in high-altitude regions.
The success follows the system’s reported effectiveness during Operation Sindoor, where it engaged aerial threats, including Chinese-origin fighter jets and Turkish-made drones operated from Pakistani territory. Building on this, the Indian Army plans to establish its third and fourth Akash regiments equipped with the Prime variant, strengthening the nation’s layered air defence network.
This milestone underscores India’s growing prowess in missile development and its commitment to self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, drawing increasing global attention to its indigenous defence technologies. |
