What happened?
India successfully tested a new version of its indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile, dubbed ‘Akash Prime’, on July 16, 2025, in Ladakh at an altitude of 15,000 feet. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile was tested in coordination with the Army Air Defence. It scored a direct hit on a fast-moving airborne target in the rarefied atmosphere. Akash Prime has been specifically engineered for high-altitude operations to counter aerial threats from Pakistan or China, adapting its flight path and navigation for the Himalayas’ extreme conditions.
Why it matters to India
Akash Prime enhances India’s layered air defence capabilities in sensitive border zones. Unlike the standard Akash variant used in the plains and deployed during Operation Sindoor, Akash Prime is tailored for difficult terrain and cold-weather performance. It includes a new indigenous Radio Frequency seeker and upgraded radar for improved accuracy. With a range of 30–35 km, it bolsters the Army’s readiness against fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles. The system will be inducted into the Army’s third and fourth Akash regiments, reinforcing defence preparedness along contested high-altitude frontiers.