India’s Air Defense Reaches New Heights: DRDO Successfully Completes User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG Missile

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 23, 2025: In a major boost to India’s sovereign defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully concluded the User Evaluation Trials (UET) of the Next Generation Akash (Akash-NG) missile system.

Conducted under the observation of senior scientists and Indian Air Force (IAF) representatives, the trials saw the missile successfully intercept various aerial targets across diverse engagement envelopes.

Specifically, the system demonstrated its lethal precision by neutralizing threats in challenging near-boundary-low-altitude scenarios as well as long-range, high-altitude engagements. These successful flight tests signify the terminal phase of evaluation, proving the system’s readiness for high-intensity aerial combat and its ability to safeguard Indian airspace against sophisticated incoming threats.

The Akash-NG is a cutting-edge surface-to-air missile system equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker and a powerful solid rocket motor, providing it with superior agility and interception speed compared to its predecessors.

This potent air defense shield is the result of a massive collaborative effort, with critical sub-systems such as the Multi-Function Radar (MFR), the Command and Control Unit, and the Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV) being designed by DRDO laboratories in partnership with various Indian industries.

This “Make in India” success story was hailed by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, who congratulated the DRDO and IAF on the achievement, noting that the state-of-the-art system will significantly enhance the operational effectiveness and air defense capabilities of the Indian Air Force.

Following the successful completion of these rigorous trials, the path is now clear for the formal induction of the Akash-NG into the Indian Armed Forces. The Secretary of Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO congratulated the development teams, emphasizing that the missile’s successful performance in complex scenarios marks a transformative moment for indigenous defense technology.

By integrating advanced sensors and highly maneuverable propulsion, the Akash-NG is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s layered air defense network, ensuring the nation remains prepared for evolving modern warfare challenges.