Surface-to-air missile Akash tested

Aiming a moving target, the missile was fired from a mobile launcher as a Pilotless Target Aircraft supported the exercise, the sources said. The missile was fired at around 11 am, minutes after the PTA was launched. The mission results are being analysed.

The missile is likely to undergo some more tests, the sources said.

The 5.6-metre-long missile, with a striking range of 25 kilometres, has the ability to carry a 60-kilogramme warhead.

Weighing about 700 kilogrammes, the sophisticated missile uses an integral ramjet rocket propulsion system and has a low reaction time.

It operated in conjunction with the indigenously built Rajendra surveillance and engagement radar developed by the Hyderabad-based Electronic Research and Development Establishment.

The radar is capable of tracking 64 targets and guide up to 12 missiles simultaneously.

Akash is part of India's ambitious Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme and has been developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation.