Akash Missile Successfully Intercepts Drone Target in Vayu Shakti Exercise, Debunking Misinformation

Recent reports claiming the Akash missile failed to intercept a drone target during the Vayu Shakti exercise have been proven inaccurate. Evidence suggests the missile successfully engaged the target, highlighting its capabilities against challenging targets.

The exercise simulated a scenario where the Akash missile needed to intercept a drone with a low reaction time and minimal radar signature. These features present a difficult challenge for missile systems.

Here’s a breakdown of the Akash’s actions:

• Launch: The missile was launched at the lead drone, followed by a strategic dive and maneuver to engage.
• Radar Lock: Successful radar lock confirms target tracking.
• Warhead Detonation: The warhead detonated, indicating proper functioning of both the RPF (Radio Proximity Fuse) and radar fuse.
• Impact: While the drone’s small size likely minimized shrapnel damage, the close proximity of the explosion suggests significant impact.

Several online accounts falsely claimed the Akash failed to engage the drone. As evident from the scenario breakdown and available evidence, these reports are inaccurate.

The Vayu Shakti exercise demonstrated Akash’s ability to effectively engage challenging targets within its operational parameters. While limitations exist, the system continues to be a valuable asset in India’s air defense arsenal.

The IAF’s ongoing evaluation of the Mk1A version further underscores its commitment to adapting and improving its defense capabilities.

 

[Pink Panther]

This is a useless test against a useless dumb target that fly's straight, any basic missile with an IR/RF seeker will seek for the heat emitted by the target or for Radar emission and will hit the target, if the target missile doesn't have any latest evading tech, in real time conditions might be different, like the target jet or missile might be maneuvering, discharging Chaffs and flares to confuse and evade from the Akash and using EW to jam Akash, unless these scenarios are tested we can’t really tell, if Akash is effective and 100% accurate, even Banshee target drone is not our product, Banshee was originally made by UK in the 1980’s, these people are very happy and satisfied targeting an ancient drone that was made in 1980’s, Akash might be good enough to may be take down Saheed, Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı type of drones but at the same time we also need to compare the cost of each Akash with the Target drone to see if it is really worth it.

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

Who is spreading false information and what is their purpose should be investigated.

 

[Sudha]

Who is spreading false information and what is their purpose should be investigated.

See the pink panther comment you will understand.

 

[Ramsses CDXX]

Something was *wacky* with Akash' propellant cocktail. charrebaazi kar raha tha❗

But the important thing is:All is well if end is well 😉

 

[Ashutosh]

C'mon bro, people here think a missile will penetrate the target, reality is it will explode near target - as done by Akash. The fragments destroyed the drone and drone was crashed ( and confirmed too).

 

[BnglrTester]

In real scenario, hope we won't be sending a missile worth several crores to target a drone worth couple of thousands.

 

[Pink Panther]

Who is spreading false information and what is their purpose should be investigated.

You also can read Sudha ji’s comment to understand.

 

[Hari Sud]

Deal severely with the guy who spread misinformation. These are other vendors interested in the contract.

 

[Hari Sud]

In real scenario, hope we won't be sending a missile worth several crores to target a drone worth couple of thousands.

Yes deal with a MQ-9 type drone with this missile. Other drones to be dealt with a gun or electronically.

 

[Hari Sud]

useless test against a useless dumb target

Who is your pay master?

 

[Hari Sud]

Something was *wacky* with Akash' propellant cocktail. charrebaazi kar raha tha❗

But the important thing is:All is well if end is well 😉

Do not rely on misinformation of YouTube.

 

[Pink Panther]

Who is your pay master?

DO you know about the target.

 

[Ashutosh]

Something was *wacky* with Akash' propellant cocktail.

Bro, vo DD vale commentator or camera man ki galti thi- drone crash ho gaya tha, video available hai internet mein.

 

[Akhil]

Some anti-national elements were saying it missed the second drone. Glad they posted second video to shut them up.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

like the target jet or missile might be maneuvering, discharging Chaffs and flares to confuse and evade from the Akash

There is a limit to the missile avoidance capacity any aircraft carries. But the volley if G2A sams is technically to overwhelm the missile avoidance capabily of aircrafts.

happy and satisfied targeting an ancient drone that was made in 1980’s

Unfortunately, the way jets fly, hasn't changed since 1980s, so, not sure what your point is.

 

[Pink Panther]

There is a limit to the missile avoidance capacity any aircraft carries. But the volley if G2A sams is technically to overwhelm the missile avoidance capabily of aircrafts.

Unfortunately, the way jets fly, hasn't changed since 1980s, so, not sure what your point is.

Jets still take off , fly and land the same way, but technology changed so much like AESA Radar, 3D trust vectoring and EW, chaffs and flares are still the old tech though.

 

[Ramsses CDXX]

Bro, vo DD vale commentator or camera man ki galti thi- drone crash ho gaya tha, video available hai internet mein.

I KNOW. I wasn't even talking about target drone. I was referring to Akash' propellant burnout.

 

[Agar]

This is a useless test against a useless dumb target that fly's straight, any basic missile with an IR/RF seeker will seek for the heat emitted by the target or for Radar emission and will hit the target

I agree this is not the best test, banshee is a sitting duck and a easy target,,at the same time we can’t test this against Rafale, what happens if it hits Rafale and destroys it, we could loose billions, better option would be to have a simulated environment where different targets like fighter jets and drones are simulated,, Wonder if DRDO has a simulated testing environment.

 

[Sandeep]

Some of the old Akash missiles had slightly older technology but the new missiles are much better and harder for jets to shake off. This would of been tested to the highest level possible and it's been proven very successful and resilient which have been deployed on the front line.

 

[Ajath]

It's good to note that AKASH missile was able to take out drones. But its pretty costly affair. For drones Anti Drone guns similar to Rheinmettal , EW systems are cost effective solutions. Missiles can be used as a last resort .