‘Akash’ missile inducted in IAF

The <g data-gr-id="15">indigeniously</g>-developed supersonic surface-to-air missile “Akash” that can target aircraft <g data-gr-id="16">upto</g> a distance of 30 km, was Friday formally inducted in the Indian Air Force here by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

IAF has given an initial contract for eight squadrons of Akash defence system. Each squadron has two firing units with four launchers. Each launcher has <g data-gr-id="14">a capacity</g> to fire three missiles in quick succession. 

The missile system can target aircraft <g data-gr-id="12">upto</g> 30 km away, at altitudes <g data-gr-id="13">upto</g> 18,000 metres. It has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.