The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced on December 23, 2025 that it has successfully completed the User Evaluation Trials (UETs) of the Akash Next Generation (Akash-NG) surface-to-air missile system, clearing the way for induction into the Indian Armed Forces. During the trials, the system intercepted aerial targets at different ranges and altitudes, including near-boundary low-altitude and long-range high-altitude scenarios, meeting all Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR). The Akash-NG is a significant upgrade over the existing Akash system. It is equipped with an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, an advanced dual-pulse solid rocket motor and a modern multi-function radar and command-and-control architecture, enabling faster reaction time and greater interception range. A complete Akash-NG system comprises three vehicle types — the radar unit, the Command and Control Unit (CCU) and a canisterised launcher unit with six missile canisters — offering a significantly reduced ground footprint compared to the previous generation. The system is designed to protect Indian airspace against fast, manoeuvring aerial threats including fighter aircraft, UAVs and cruise missiles, with an effective engagement envelope extending to about 70–80 kilometres at supersonic speeds in the Mach 2.5–3 range. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended DRDO, the Indian Air Force and industry partners for this milestone, noting that the state-of-the-art system will significantly enhance the IAF's layered air-defence capabilities. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Akash-NG is now ready for induction into operational service.
DRDO Successfully Completes User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG Air Defence Missile System; Paves Way for Induction into Indian Armed Forces
DRDO on December 23, 2025 successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of the Akash-NG air defence missile system, which intercepted aerial targets at various ranges and altitudes meeting all PSQR requirements; the system with indigenous RF seeker, dual-pulse motor and canisterised launcher is now ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces.
Key facts
- DRDO on December 23, 2025 announced successful completion of User Evaluation Trials (UETs) of the Akash Next Generation (Akash-NG) surface-to-air missile system, meeting all PSQR requirements.
- During trials the missiles intercepted aerial targets at different ranges and altitudes, including near-boundary low-altitude and long-range high-altitude scenarios.
- Akash-NG features an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor and a modern multi-function radar and command-and-control architecture for faster reaction time and greater range.
- A complete system comprises three vehicle types: radar unit, Command and Control Unit (CCU) and canisterised launcher unit holding six missile canisters — providing a significantly reduced ground footprint.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended DRDO, IAF and industry partners; the system is now ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces to enhance layered air-defence capabilities.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the operational significance of DRDO's Akash-NG system for India's layered air defence after completion of User Evaluation Trials in December 2025.
Answer (50 words):
On December 23, 2025, DRDO completed User Evaluation Trials of the Akash-NG surface-to-air missile, meeting all PSQR requirements by intercepting targets across ranges and altitudes. Featuring an indigenous RF seeker, dual-pulse motor and canisterised six-missile launcher, Akash-NG engages aerial threats up to 70-80 km at Mach 2.5-3 for IAF induction.
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The Akash-NG air defence missile system, whose User Evaluation Trials were successfully completed on December 23, 2025, is developed by which Indian organisation?
The Akash-NG (Akash Next Generation) surface-to-air missile system is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The User Evaluation Trials completed on December 23, 2025 met all Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR). The system features an indigenously developed RF seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor and canisterised launcher with six missile canisters, and is now ready for induction into the Indian Armed Forces.
Source: News on AIR (Prasar Bharati)
Frequently asked questions
When did DRDO complete the User Evaluation Trials of the Akash-NG missile system?
DRDO announced the successful completion of User Evaluation Trials (UETs) of the Akash Next Generation (Akash-NG) surface-to-air missile system on December 23, 2025. The system met all Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR).
What are the key technological upgrades in the Akash-NG system?
Akash-NG features an indigenously developed Radio Frequency seeker, an advanced dual-pulse solid rocket motor and a modern multi-function radar and command-and-control architecture that enable faster reaction time and greater interception range.
How is a complete Akash-NG system configured on the ground?
A complete Akash-NG system comprises three vehicle types — a radar unit, a Command and Control Unit (CCU) and a canisterised launcher unit holding six missile canisters — offering a significantly reduced ground footprint compared to the older Akash system.
Who commended DRDO on the successful Akash-NG trials?
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended DRDO, the Indian Air Force and industry partners, noting that the state-of-the-art system will significantly enhance the IAF's layered air-defence capabilities.
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