India has taken a big step forward in strengthening its air defence. The Indian Army recently tested the upgraded Akash Prime missile system in the high mountains of Ladakh, and it successfully hit fast-moving targets.
This trial proves that the made-in-India missile can work well even in tough weather and high altitudes, making the country’s skies safer from enemy drones and aircraft.
India Successfully Tests Akash Prime Missile at High Altitude in Ladakh
In a big boost to India’s air defence, the Indian Army successfully carried out high-altitude trials of the Akash Prime surface-to-air missile system in the Ladakh region, defence officials told news agency ANI.
These trials took place over 15,000 feet above sea level and were conducted by the Army Air Defence Corps along with top scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which designed the missile.
During the tests, the missile scored two direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets in the thin air of the mountains.
Officials said, “Akash Prime showed it’s ready for real battle by hitting fast, maneuvering targets even in tough high-altitude conditions.”
What is Akash Prime?
Akash Prime is an upgraded version of the original Akash missile. It comes with a better seeker, which helps it track and hit targets more accurately, even in difficult weather or terrain.
The Akash missile was also successfully used during Operation Sindoor, where it defended Indian airspace from aerial attacks coming from Pakistan, which included Chinese-made aircraft and Turkish drones.
Induction into Army
With this successful test, Akash Prime is now one step closer to being officially inducted into the Indian Army’s air defence system.
Defence officials mentioned that the Army’s third and fourth Akash regiments will likely be equipped with the new Akash Prime version.
This move is also part of India’s bigger goal of becoming self-reliant in defence production, especially in key areas like air defence.
About the Akash Missile System
The Akash missile system is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile that has been specifically designed to protect significant military assets and troops from airborne assaults like aircraft, drones, and missiles.
Its characteristics includes
Can work in multiple groups or alone
Uses radar and command guidance to intercept targets
Tracks and hits multiple threats from any direction
Can be deployed in mobile or static setups
Both the Indian Army and Air Force have been using this Akash missile system heavily along the Pakistan border in order to strengthen air defence.
Akash in Action: Operation Sindoor
On the night of May 8 and May 9, 2025, Pakistan launched a series of drone and artillery attacks along the western border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Indian Army:
Pakistan used drones and other munitions to target Indian areas.
There were multiple ceasefire violations from the Pakistani side.
Indian forces gave a strong response and repelled all threats.
Over 50 Pakistani drones were shot down during a large-scale anti-drone operation along the LoC and international borders.
Additionally, on the night of May 7 and May 8, the Indian Armed Forces stopped a major attack involving drones and missiles aimed at military bases in northern and western India.
Reports also suggest that India disabled a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore during the response.
