Akash-NG & MPATGM: DRDO | 22 Jul 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG) and the Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM).

• In June 2021 a new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-P (Prime) was successfully test-fired by the DRDO.
• In February 2021 India also successfully test-fired indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile systems ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’.

Key Points

• Akash Missile (Akash-NG):
  
  • About:
    
    • It is a surface-to-air Missile. It is a new variant of the Akash missile that can strike targets at a distance of around 60 km and fly at a speed of up to Mach 2.5.
    • Once deployed, the Akash-NG weapon system will prove to be a force multiplier for the air defence capability of the Indian Air Force.
  • Development & Production:
    
    • Developed by Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.
    • It is being produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
  • Akash Missile:
    
    • Akash is India’s first indigenously produced medium range Surface to Air missile that can engage multiple targets from multiple directions.
      
      • The missile is unique in the way that it can be launched from mobile platforms like battle tanks or wheeled trucks. It has nearly 90% kill probability.
      • The missile is supported by the indigenously developed radar called 'Rajendra'.
      • The missile is reportedly cheaper and more accurate than US’ Patriot missiles due to its solid-fuel technology and high-tech radars.
    • It can engage targets at a speed 2.5 times more than the speed of sound and can detect and destroy targets flying at low, medium and high altitudes.
    • The Akash missile system has been designed and developed as part of India’s 30-year-old Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
• Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile:
  
  • It is an indigenously-developed anti-tank guided missile.
    
    • Anti Tank guided missile is a medium or long-range missile whose primary purpose is to destroy tanks and other armoured vehicles.
  • It is a low weight, fire and forget missile. It is incorporated with state-of-the-art Miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics.
  • It is launched using a tripod designed for a maximum range of 2.5 km with a launch weight of less than 15 Kg.
  • Its successful test marked a major boost for the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign and would strengthen the Indian Army.

Source: PIB