DRDO Successfully Completes User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG Air Defence Missile System

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed the User Evaluation Trials (UETs) of the Next Generation Akash (Akash-NG) surface-to-air missile system on December 23, 2025, clearing the system for induction into the Indian Armed Forces. The trials were conducted in coordination with the Indian Air Force, and according to the Ministry of Defence, the missiles successfully intercepted aerial targets at different ranges and altitudes, including near-boundary low-altitude and long-range high-altitude scenarios. All Preliminary Services Qualitative Requirements (PSQRs) were met during the trials. The Akash-NG is a potent indigenous air defence system equipped with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully homegrown radars and command-and-control systems. It is designed to engage high-speed aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles, offering faster reaction time and extended interception range compared to earlier Akash variants. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, the Indian Air Force and the Indian industry on the successful completion of the trials and said the state-of-the-art missile system will further strengthen the air defence capabilities of the IAF. The successful completion of the UETs marks a critical milestone paving the way for formal induction of the Akash-NG into the Indian Armed Forces, deepening Aatmanirbhar Bharat in strategic defence technologies.