Akash Prime Tested at 15,000 Feet, Boosting India’s High-Altitude Air Defence Capabilities

In a significant boost to India’s defence preparedness, the Indian Army successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the indigenously developed Akash Prime air defence system on Wednesday in the Ladakh sector, at an altitude exceeding 15,000 feet. The trials mark a major milestone in operationalising indigenous surface-to-air missile systems in extreme conditions.

Customised to operate effectively at altitudes of up to 4,500 metres, the Army Air Defence tested Akash Prime in collaboration with senior officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the system’s developer. Despite the challenging environment of thin air and freezing temperatures, the missile system scored two direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets.

Akash Prime is set to strengthen the Army’s layered air defence network significantly and is slated for induction into the third and fourth regiments of the Akash air defence units.

The upgraded system also proved its effectiveness during Operation Sindoor, where it successfully countered aerial threats from Chinese-origin aircraft and Turkish-made drones employed by the Pakistan military. Compared to the original Akash system, Akash Prime features an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, greatly enhancing target accuracy.

Additional improvements include enhanced reliability in low-temperature, high-altitude conditions, along with a modified ground support system derived from the existing Akash platform.

These successful trials have further reinforced user confidence across both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The system can engage aerial threats at ranges of 25 to 30 kilometres and is deployable at elevations up to 4,500 metres.

Akash Prime the upgraded variant of Akash Weapon System successfully engaged and destroyed two Aerial High Speed Unmanned targets during trials at high altitude in Ladakh Sector. The weapon system is customised to operate in altitude above 4500 meters and has latest upgrades… pic.twitter.com/OL1qYLZF1S

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) July 17, 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared a video of the trial on the platform X, lauding the achievement. He noted that on July 16, the Akash Prime system had effectively destroyed two high-speed unmanned aerial targets at high altitude.

Akash Prime represents the next generation of the Akash Weapon System -an upgraded, battle-proven platform designed specifically for modern, high-altitude military operations.

Team BharatShakti