India Successfully test-fired Akash missile from Odisha

India successfully test-fired the indigenously built Akash missile from the DRDO’s (Defence Research Development Organisation) Interim Test Range (ITR), at Chandipur in Balasore district of north Odisha on 24 May 2012. The surface-to-air missile was launched from the launch pad number three of the premier missile testing centre at 11:9 hours.

5.7 meter long and 720 kg in weight, anti-aircraft missile can hit its target locating at a distance of 25 to 30 kms. The missile is capable of carrying both conventional as well as nuclear warheads up to 60 kg. It can also track and shot down several targets in one go with the help of Rajendra, a sophisticated radar, built by the DRDO.

The missile has been developed by the DRDO under the ambitious Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It has already been inducted into the Indian armed forces following several successful trials.