Indian Army Successfully Tests Akash Prime in Ladakh

Swift Summary

• Teh Indian army successfully conducted trials of the indigenously developed Air Defense System, “Akash Prime,” in Ladakh.
• Trials were conducted at an altitude of over 15,000 feet in eastern Ladakh and featured the system scoring two direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets.
• The tests involved collaboration between the army Air Defence Corps and scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Akash Prime is an upgraded model equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for greater precision in adverse weather or terrain conditions.
• It is indeed intended too form the third and fourth regiments of Akash air defence systems for enhanced security against aerial threats.
• The system was previously deployed during Operation Sindoor to counter Pakistani aerial threats with favorable results.
• Akash Prime is capable of targeting mobile, semi-mobile, and static installations at distances up to 25-30 km and heights up to 4,500 meters.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The successful trial of Akash Prime marks a noteworthy step in India’s ongoing efforts toward bolstering it’s defence capabilities through indigenous technology development. The collaboration between DRDO scientists and military personnel reinforces India’s focus on self-reliance under initiatives like ‘Make in India’ for advanced defence solutions.

Deploying Akash prime at high altitudes highlights its adaptability to challenging environments such as Ladakh,a strategically sensitive region near contentious borders like China’s Line of Actual Control (LAC). Enhanced precision through active RF seekers further underscores its operational significance against evolving aerial warfare tactics.

As tensions persist along India’s borders with Pakistan and China, strengthening air defences not only increases immediate national security but also contributes toward sustained deterrence capability-an essential pillar in India’s geopolitical stance.

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