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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday completed user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash missile system (Akash-NG). This key milestone brings the advanced air defence system closer to induction into the Indian Armed Forces.
According to the DRDO, the Akash-NG system demonstrated high precision and effectiveness against a range of aerial threats during the trials, including high-speed targets, low-altitude threats near the boundary, and long-range, high-altitude targets.
“User evaluation trials of Akash-NG missile successfully completed today, meeting all Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR),” the DRDO said in a post on X.
The trials involved successful interception of aerial targets at varying ranges and altitudes, validating the missile’s operational capability across diverse engagement scenarios, the organisation said.
Akash-NG is equipped with an indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker and is powered by a solid rocket motor, enhancing its accuracy, response time and engagement envelope. The system is designed to provide robust air defence against multiple types of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.
The Ministry of Defence also confirmed the successful completion of the trials, stating that the achievement “paves the way for induction of the Akash-NG system into the Indian Armed Forces.”
“Equipped with an indigenous RF seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and command-and-control systems, Akash-NG marks a major boost to India’s air defence capability,” the Ministry said in a post on X.
.@DRDO_India successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of the Next Generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile system, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Armed Forces. The system demonstrated high precision against diverse aerial threats, including high-speed,… pic.twitter.com/3DCcgtdph8
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) December 23, 2025
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, the Indian Air Force, and Industry on the successful completion of User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG and said that the state-of-the-art missile system will further strengthen the IAF’s air defence capabilities.
The Akash-NG programme is a significant component of India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with a strong focus on indigenous sensors, propulsion and command systems.
Team BharatShakti
