India's Indigenous Missile Defence System Proves Its Worth in Real Combat

New Delhi: In the midst of the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan, a homegrown missile defence system, Akash, caught international attention for its remarkable performance in defending the country against enemy drones and missiles.

Akash, an Indian-made missile defence system, successfully intercepted multiple targets near the western border on May 8-9, marking the first real combat demonstration of its capabilities. The system's performance left India's top military officials praising it as a crucial component of the country's national security.

"We failed many times. But every failure taught us something new," said Prahlada Ramarao, lead designer of the Akash missile project, when reflecting on his journey with the system. "It felt like watching my child take its first steps... this child stopped enemy missiles."

Developed over 15 years and costing just Rs 500 crore (approximately $65 million), Akash has been a flagship program under India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.

The system boasts impressive capabilities, including the ability to spot a missile from 70 km away and destroy it at 30 km. Its performance in real combat was attributed to advancements in its seeker technology, which enabled it to track targets accurately.

Akash has garnered significant global attention, with Armenia becoming the first foreign buyer of Akash systems in 2022. The Indian Air Force currently operates 15 Akash squadrons, while the Indian Army has four regiments, with more being added. The system's capabilities have also drawn interest from other countries, solidifying India's position as a rising defence exporter.

In recognition of its achievements, Prahlada Ramarao, who led the Akash project under Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's guidance, was awarded a Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor. However, for Ramarao, the true reward lay in witnessing his creation fulfill its purpose in real combat.

"This is the happiest day of my life," he exclaimed. "It means more to me than my Padma Shri award."

Akash has proven itself as a powerful and reliable missile defence system, capable of defending India's borders against enemy threats at an unprecedented low cost. Its success serves as a testament to India's capabilities in developing its own defense systems, underscoring the country's commitment to self-reliance in the face of national security challenges.