{"id":655061,"date":"2025-12-26T02:07:49","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T02:07:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/655061\/"},"modified":"2025-12-26T02:07:49","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T02:07:49","slug":"akash-ng-explained-indias-indigenous-missile-system-pakistan-threats-surprise-attacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/655061\/","title":{"rendered":"Akash-NG Explained: India\u2019s Indigenous Missile System, Pakistan Threats &#038; Surprise Attacks"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhaskarenglish.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">English News<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bhaskarenglish.in\/originals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Originals<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Akash NG Explained: India\u2019s Indigenous Missile System, Pakistan Threats &amp; Surprise Attacks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>2 hours agoAuthor: Anjali Rajgovind<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/akash-thumb2_1766653457.gif\" alt=\"\" loading=\"eager\" class=\"f97587ba\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">When news breaks about India testing a new air defence missile, it often sounds technical and distant. But systems like Akash-NG directly affect everyday security, especially when tensions rise on the western border.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">From fighter jets to missiles and drones, the threats in modern warfare come fast and low, leaving little time to react. That is where air defence becomes critical.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Recently, the successful trials of Akash-NG have raised many questions among ordinary Indians. How effective is it? Can it protect border cities? And does it really strengthen India\u2019s hand against Pakistan?<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">To find clear, simple answers, we spoke to Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd), who explained what all this system can do.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">What exactly is Akash-NG? How far can its range span?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"d7ef6cb6\">\n<li>Akash-NG is India\u2019s latest surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to protect the skies from hostile aerial threats.<\/li>\n<li>It is part of the Akash missile family developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and built largely under India\u2019s \u2018Make in India\u2019 initiative.<\/li>\n<li>According to reports, Akash-NG\u2019s interception range is significantly improved over earlier versions.<\/li>\n<li>Officially it is said to be capable of engaging targets at around 70-80 km, compared with about 30 km for the older Akash systems.<\/li>\n<li>It uses a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, an active radar seeker and advanced radars and command systems to locate, track and destroy aerial threats in all-weather conditions.<\/li>\n<li>The system is mobile and can be moved quickly into position.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Can Akash-NG realistically stop missiles or fighter jets launched from Pakistan before they enter Indian airspace?<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">According to Lt Col Sodhi, Akash-NG is designed for aerial interception and forms part of India\u2019s larger integrated air defence network.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"d7ef6cb6\">\n<li>He emphasises that it is one element in a broader cover that includes other systems working together.<\/li>\n<li>In real scenarios, Indian air defence has a record of intercepting incoming projectiles from the west.<\/li>\n<li>The improved range and precision of Akash-NG mean it can engage high-speed targets like fighter jets or cruise missiles before they penetrate deeply into Indian airspace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">That said, successful interception also depends on early detection, tracking and coordination with radar and command systems, not just the missile itself.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">The whole network needs to operate in harmony to ensure airspace security.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1461\" height=\"1097\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/artboard-22x-100-2_1766653596.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"f97587ba\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">If tensions rise, can Akash-NG protect Indian cities near the western border, like Amritsar or Jaisalmer?<\/p>\n<ul class=\"d7ef6cb6\">\n<li>Lt Col Sodhi makes it clear that Akash-NG is part of a layered, nationwide air defence system rather than a single stand-alone shield.<\/li>\n<li>It can contribute to protection of western border areas, including cities like Amritsar or Jaisalmer, by intercepting hostile aerial threats at medium ranges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">In practice, these systems are positioned based on strategic need and can be relocated as required.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"d7ef6cb6\">\n<li>They work with other radars and weapon systems to create a layered defence, so when tensions rise, the integrated network would try to cover critical cities and military assets.<\/li>\n<li>No single battery can guarantee full protection, but as part of the network, Akash-NG enhances overall coverage and response against aircraft or missiles approaching from Pakistan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Is this missile system capable of intercepting Pakistani drones, cruise missiles or low-flying aircraft used in surprise attacks?<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Lt Col Sodhi explains that technically Akash-NG can intercept a wide range of aerial objects, including drones and low-flying craft.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">However, he also notes that the cost per missile is high, so in practice the system will be prioritised for larger, high-signature threats such as fighter aircraft or bigger cruise missiles.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"d7ef6cb6\">\n<li>For small drones or very low-signature targets, other dedicated lower-cost defence systems (like short-range guns or specialised anti-drone systems) may be more appropriate.<\/li>\n<li>That said, Akash-NG\u2019s advanced radars and seekers do give it the capability to detect and engage these threats if needed, especially in a high-intensity scenario.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1460\" height=\"3056\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/artboard-12x-100-3_1766653744.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"f97587ba\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">How fast can Akash-NG respond if Pakistan launches a sudden aerial strike?<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">According to Lt Col Sodhi, India\u2019s air defence network is always on active alert, even in peacetime.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"d7ef6cb6\">\n<li>The moment a foreign object is detected approaching Indian airspace, countermeasures are activated within seconds.<\/li>\n<li>Akash-NG itself has been reported to have a quick reaction time: it can fire one missile within about 10 seconds of target acquisition, and launch a salvo of three in about 20 seconds.<\/li>\n<li>This rapid response capability means it can react swiftly to sudden aerial threats such as a surprise strike from Pakistan.<\/li>\n<li>In combination with radar and command systems, this immediate readiness helps India respond effectively to fast-moving threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1461\" height=\"1097\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/artboard-2-copy2x-100_1766653777.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"f97587ba\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Does Akash-NG reduce India\u2019s dependence on foreign air defence systems in case of conflict with Pakistan?<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Lt Col Sodhi emphasises that Akash-NG is largely indigenously designed and manufactured, with very few foreign components.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"d7ef6cb6\">\n<li>He says this is a strong point for India\u2019s \u2018Make in India\u2019 strategy, reducing reliance on foreign-made systems like Russia\u2019s S-400.<\/li>\n<li>By producing advanced air defence missiles domestically, India gains greater strategic autonomy and easier logistics, especially in prolonged conflicts.<\/li>\n<li>Although India will still operate a mix of systems, including some imported ones for layered defence, Akash-NG strengthens India\u2019s self-sufficiency and decreases dependency on defence imports.<\/li>\n<li>Overall, it adds confidence and capability to India\u2019s indigenous defence infrastructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1460\" height=\"2213\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/artboard-1-copy2x-100-2_1766653823.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"f97587ba\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Can this system be deployed close to the Line of Control (LoC), or is it meant mainly for deep-area defence?<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Lt Col Sodhi explains that Akash-NG and other air defence assets are dispersed across the country and integrated into a nationwide network, rather than being fixed at one spot.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">This means they can be positioned nearer the Line of Control if needed, but deployment decisions are based on the overall defence plan, not just one system\u2019s capability.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"d7ef6cb6\">\n<li>Akash-NG is mobile and can be moved to areas of heightened risk, but it normally functions as part of a layered air defence belt that includes systems at various ranges and altitudes.<\/li>\n<li>Its strength lies in integration with early-warning radars and command control, whether deployed near the LoC or deeper in strategic areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">How many incoming targets can one Akash-NG unit handle at the same time during a large-scale attack?<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Akash-NG is designed with multi-target capability.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"d7ef6cb6\">\n<li>According to available information, each unit can track and engage up to ten targets simultaneously.<\/li>\n<li>This means it can respond to multiple threats in a saturating aerial attack, such as several aircraft or missiles approaching at once.<\/li>\n<li>This capability is crucial in large-scale conflicts, where a single incoming enemy strike may involve dozens of threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Of course, effective engagement also depends on linked radar systems, command control and other elements of the integrated air defence network.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">But the ten-target engagement capability makes Akash-NG a robust layer in India\u2019s layered air defence shield.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Does the induction of Akash-NG change the military balance between India and Pakistan in the air domain?<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\">Lt Col Sodhi states that India already maintains military superiority over Pakistan, having prevailed in conflicts since 1947, and that Akash-NG adds further strength to India\u2019s defence.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1461\" height=\"1097\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/artboard-2-copy-22x-100_1766653857.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"f97587ba\"\/><\/p>\n<ul class=\"d7ef6cb6\">\n<li>While no single system can entirely change a strategic balance, the addition of a capable, modern medium-range air defence missile does enhance deterrence.<\/li>\n<li>It tightens India\u2019s air defence envelope and complicates planning for any adversary\u2019s air operations.<\/li>\n<li>Against Pakistan\u2019s air assets, it adds another layer that threats must penetrate.<\/li>\n<li>Combined with other systems and early warning networks, Akash-NG makes India\u2019s airspace more difficult to challenge, reinforcing the existing advantage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"word-break:break-word;text-align:left;white-space:pre-line\"><strong>Graphics by <\/strong><strong>Anas Shakir<\/strong><strong\/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"English News Originals Akash NG Explained: India\u2019s Indigenous Missile System, Pakistan Threats &amp; Surprise Attacks 2 hours agoAuthor:&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":655062,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3844],"tags":[200420,200414,200413,200417,45320,200416,200418,200415,70,413,200419,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-655061","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-space","8":"tag-air-defence-missiles-explained","9":"tag-akash-next-generation-explained","10":"tag-akash-ng-missile","11":"tag-drdo-missile-system","12":"tag-india-air-defence-system","13":"tag-india-pakistan-military-balance","14":"tag-indigenous-defence-india","15":"tag-pakistan-drones-threat","16":"tag-science","17":"tag-space","18":"tag-surprise-aerial-strike-india","19":"tag-uk","20":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115783436786517787","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/655061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=655061"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/655061\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/655062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=655061"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=655061"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=655061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}