India today successfully test fired its two indigenously-developed surface-to-air ‘Akash’ missiles of Air Force version with a strike range of 25 km from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur near here. “Two Air Force version Akash missiles were test-fired from the ITR in quick succession. Both the trials were successful and met all the mission objectives,” ITR Director M V K V Prasad said. The anti-aircraft missiles, with a strike range of 25 km and capable of carrying warhead of 60 kgs, were test fired from a mobile launcher at launch complex-III of the ITR.
The trial, which formed part of the country’s routine air defence exercises, was conducted at around noon, said an official of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) associated with the Akash missile project. To re-validate the technology and operational efficacy of the missile, defence forces conducted the trial with logistic support provided by the ITR, the official said. The Akash weapon system, which has its Army version too, was inducted into the armed forces in 2008. Today’s test-fire came after similar trials conducted from the same test range on May 24, 26 and 28. “During the trial, the sophisticated missiles were aimed at intercepting floating object supported by a pilotless target aircraft at a definite altitude over the sea,” sources said.
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