INDIA. Mumbai: A new version of the Akash Missile – ‘Akash Prime’ was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Odisha’s Chandipur in the late afternoon on September 27, Monday
The missile intercepted and destroyed an unmanned aerial target mimicking enemy aircraft, in its maiden flight test after improvements.
In comparison to the existing Akash System, “Akash Prime” is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy. Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low-temperature environments at higher altitudes. A modified ground system of the existing Akash weapon system was used for the current flight test. The range stations of ITR comprising Radars, Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS), and Telemetry stations monitored the missile trajectory and flight parameters, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said in a news release.
The DRDO earlier in March developed the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology which will give a technological advantage in developing long-range air-to-air missiles.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU), and industry for the successful trials of Akash Prime Missile. He stated that the successful flight test proves the competence of DRDO in the design and development of world-class Missile systems.
Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO Dr. G Satheesh Reddy also congratulated the team for the successful flight trial of Akash Prime Missile. He said that the Akash Prime system will further boost the confidence of the users (Indian Army and Indian Air Force) as the Akash system is already inducted and now getting improved with more lethal missiles.
Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh takes over as DG, NCC
In another development, Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh took over as the 34th Director-General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) on Monday.
Lt Gen Singh was commissioned into The Parachute Regiment in 1987. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Indian Military Academy, Dehradun as well as NCC, he attended the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, the Higher Command Course in Mhow (Madhya Pradesh), and the National Defence College Course in New Delhi.
Lt Gen Singh has been a Company Commander in the counter-insurgency environment in Nagaland and the Siachen Glacier. He has commanded a Special Forces Battalion in the intense counter-terrorism environment of the Valley Sector in Kashmir and also in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He has commanded a Mountain Brigade & an Infantry Division on the Line of Control.
The General Officer has tenanted the appointments of General Staff Officer (Operations) in Sector Headquarters Rashtriya Rifles. He has had two tenures each in Military Operation Directorate and Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff. Besides, he has been an Instructor at the Commando School and Indian Military Training Team.
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