Ladakh, July 17 – In a significant leap for India’s air defence readiness, the Indian Army successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the indigenously developed Akash Prime surface-to-air missile system on Wednesday in Ladakh’s extreme terrain.
The tests, conducted at an altitude of over 15,000 feet, saw two direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets, affirming the missile’s precision and reliability in rarefied atmospheric conditions. The trial was carried out by the Army Air Defence in coordination with scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which designed and built the system.
Officials hailed the successful trial as a key milestone in boosting India’s air defence capabilities, particularly in high-altitude conflict zones.
The Akash Prime system is set to be inducted into the Army’s third and fourth Akash regiments, solidifying its role in India’s layered air defence strategy. Its previous operational success came during Operation Sindoor, where it played a crucial role in countering aerial threats from Pakistan’s military, including Chinese-made jets and Turkish drones.
With these trials, the Akash Prime has further proven its capability to defend India’s skies under some of the most challenging environmental conditions in the world. (Agencies)
