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Understanding the Akash Missile System: Features and Comparisons

A Comprehensive Overview of India's Surface-to-Air Defense

Understanding the Akash Missile System: Features and Comparisons

  • 12 Jul, 2024
  • 477

Overview of the Akash Missile System

The Akash is an advanced surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed in India to safeguard critical areas from aerial assaults. This system showcases several innovative features, making it a vital component of India's defense strategy.

Key Features of the Akash System

1. Range and Targets: The Akash missile can effectively engage various aerial threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), across a range of 4 to 25 kilometers.

2. Multi-Target Engagement: It possesses the capability to engage multiple targets simultaneously in both group and autonomous modes, enhancing its effectiveness during attacks.

3. Advanced Technology: Equipped with built-in Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM), the Akash utilizes command guidance for precise targeting.

4. Mobility: The entire system is mounted on mobile platforms, ensuring quick deployment and improved survivability in various battlefield scenarios.

5. Automation: Akash operates fully automatically, boasting a rapid response time from the moment a target is detected to interception.

6. Jamming Resistance: The system is designed to be highly resilient against both active and passive jamming efforts, ensuring consistent performance.

7. Indigenous Development: A significant portion of the Akash system is produced domestically, with projections indicating that its indigenous content could reach 93% by 2026-27.

Comparison with Israel's Iron Dome

The Akash missile system is often compared to Israel’s Iron Dome due to their shared purpose in air defense. However, there are critical differences worth noting:

  • Size: Akash missiles are generally larger than those utilized in the Iron Dome.
  • Versatility: While Akash is built to intercept a broader spectrum of aerial threats, including larger aircraft, Iron Dome focuses primarily on shorter-range rockets and artillery.
  • Operational Environment: The Akash system is adaptable to diverse altitudes and climatic conditions, offering greater flexibility for deployment.
  • Customization: Being a fully indigenous system, Akash can be tailored more easily to meet specific operational needs of various users.

In summary, both the Akash missile system and the Iron Dome play crucial roles in air defense; however, Akash is specifically designed to address a wider range of threats and operational environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the primary purpose of the Akash missile system?
Answer: The Akash missile system is designed to provide air defense by intercepting various aerial threats, including aircraft and UAVs, to protect critical areas.

Q2. How far can the Akash missile engage targets?
Answer: The Akash missile can effectively engage targets at ranges of 4 to 25 kilometers, making it versatile for different defense scenarios.

Q3. What makes the Akash system unique compared to other missile systems?
Answer: Its ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously, advanced jamming resistance, and significant indigenous development set the Akash apart from other missile systems.

Q4. How does the Akash missile system handle jamming attempts?
Answer: The Akash is designed to be highly resistant to both active and passive jamming, ensuring reliable performance in challenging conditions.

Q5. Can the Akash missile system be customized for different users?
Answer: Yes, as a fully indigenous system, the Akash can be tailored to meet the specific operational requirements of various defense forces.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the range of the Akash missile system?
A) 10-20 kilometers
B) 4-25 kilometers
C) 5-15 kilometers
D) 20-30 kilometers
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which feature allows the Akash system to engage multiple targets?
A) High mobility
B) Multi-target engagement
C) Jamming resistance
D) Indigenously developed
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What percentage of indigenous content is expected in the Akash system by 2026-27?
A) 80%
B) 70%
C) 93%
D) 60%
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: How does the Akash missile system differ from the Iron Dome?
A) Size and target range
B) Development location
C) Deployment speed
D) Cost
Correct Answer: A

Question 5: What type of threats can the Akash missile system intercept?
A) Only missiles
B) Only drones
C) A wide range of aerial threats
D) Only helicopters
Correct Answer: C

 

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