India’s Akash Prime missile system represents a transformative achievement in indigenous defence technology, demonstrating how a nation can develop world-class military capabilities while maintaining exceptional cost efficiency.

This surface-to-air missile system has emerged as a powerful symbol of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, particularly following its stellar performance during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 and successful high-altitude trials in Ladakh in July 2025.

Exceptional Development Achievement

The development of the Akash missile system stands as one of the most cost-effective defence programs globally. Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, who led the Akash project under the guidance of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, initiated the program in 1994 with a budget of ₹300 crore, which was later increased to ₹500 crore to refine critical systems including the sophisticated Rajendra radar.

This development cost is remarkably modest compared to international standards – approximately 8-10 times lower than similar systems developed by other countries, with Western equivalents typically costing between $15,000-20,000 crores.

The program took 15 years to complete, involving over 1,000 scientists and extensive collaboration across defence laboratories throughout India. “No other country has built such a powerful missile defence system at such a low cost, just ₹500 crore,” Dr. Ramarao proudly stated, emphasising the exceptional value engineering achieved by Indian scientists.

Technical Excellence And Capabilities

The Akash Prime represents the latest evolution of this indigenous success story, specifically engineered for high-altitude operations above 4,500 meters with enhanced cold-weather performance. The system’s key technological advancement is its indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, which provides 360-degree engagement capability and significantly improved target accuracy. This upgrade allows the missile to independently track and engage targets during the final phase of flight without relying on ground-based radar illumination, making it highly effective against low-reflectivity threats like stealth drones and terrain-hugging cruise missiles.

The system maintains an operational range of 25-30 kilometres with a flight ceiling of approximately 18 kilometres. Each Akash battery can simultaneously track up to 64 targets and engage up to 12 of them, with each missile achieving an impressive 88% single-shot kill probability. When two missiles are deployed against a single target, this probability increases to 98.5%.

Proven Combat Performance

The Akash system’s battlefield credibility was decisively established during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where it successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats from Pakistan, including Turkish drones and Chinese-origin aircraft. The system demonstrated its capability to neutralise over 50 Pakistani drones during large-scale counter-drone operations along the Line of Control and international borders. This real-world performance validation significantly boosted confidence in India’s indigenous defence capabilities and proved the system’s effectiveness under actual combat conditions.

Strategic Advantage Along China Border

The successful high-altitude trials of Akash Prime in Ladakh at over 15,000 feet carry profound strategic significance for India’s defence posture along the China border. The system’s ability to function effectively in the rarefied atmosphere and extreme cold conditions of the Himalayan regions provides India with a critical defensive capability where conventional systems often struggle. The deployment of Akash Prime in the third and fourth Army regiments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) significantly enhances India’s air defence capabilities in this strategically sensitive region.

Global Competitiveness And Cost Advantage

When compared to international air defence systems, the Akash Prime offers exceptional value proposition. Each Akash missile costs approximately ₹2-5 crore, which is substantially lower than Western equivalents like the US Patriot system (₹20-30 crore per missile) or the Russian S-400 (₹40-50 crore per missile). This cost advantage enables India to deploy a denser air defence network capable of absorbing large-scale attacks without incurring prohibitive expenses, a significant strategic advantage in potential conflict scenarios.

The system’s 82% indigenous content (projected to reach 93% by 2026-27) reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and enhances strategic autonomy, contrasting with systems like the Patriot which rely heavily on US logistical support. This indigenous focus is a cornerstone of India’s strategy for maintaining a self-reliant and resilient national defence capability.

International Recognition And Export Success

The Akash system has garnered significant international attention, with Armenia becoming the first foreign buyer in 2022 through a ₹6,000 crore deal for 15 units. Brazil is currently evaluating the Akash system against Chinese alternatives like the Sky Dragon-50, with Brazilian military leadership expressing strong interest in a government-to-government agreement with India. Other nations including Vietnam, Philippines, and Egypt have also shown interest in acquiring this cost-effective air defence solution.

Technological Evolution And Future Prospects

The Akash family continues to evolve with the Akash-NG (Next Generation) variant currently under development, promising extended range of 70-80 kilometres and enhanced capabilities using dual-pulse solid rocket motor technology instead of the current ramjet engine. This technological progression demonstrates India’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority and competitive edge in the global defence market.

Symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat Success

The Akash Prime missile system exemplifies the success of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector. From concept to deployment, the program showcases India’s capability to develop sophisticated military technologies indigenously while maintaining exceptional cost efficiency. The system’s success has contributed to India’s defence production reaching ₹1.27 lakh Crores in FY24, marking a 174% increase over the past decade.

The achievement represents more than just technological capability – it demonstrates India’s strategic autonomy and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers for critical defence systems. As global tensions continue to rise, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, the Akash Prime system provides India with a reliable, cost-effective, and technologically advanced air defence capability that strengthens its position as a major defence power.

For China, India’s development of such capable indigenous defence systems represents a significant shift in regional power dynamics. The successful deployment of Akash Prime along the LAC demonstrates India’s growing technological sophistication and strategic resolve, factors that regional adversaries must now carefully consider in their strategic calculations. The system’s proven combat effectiveness and cost advantage make it a formidable component of India’s multi-layered defence architecture, contributing to regional stability through credible deterrence.

Based On Republic World Report

Ubeer Naqushbandi Tribune News Service

The upcoming monsoon session of Parliament is likely to be stormy, with the Congress stepping up its attack on the BJP-led government over national security and foreign policy.

On Saturday, the party’s Ex-Servicemen Department held a meeting of former Army veterans, where serious questions were raised over the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor.

The event, titled “Pahalgam to Op Sindoor Ceasefire: A National Security, Accountability and Foreign Disaster”, saw veterans question the intelligence and security failures that led to the deadly attack in Pahalgam.

“Why have the terrorists not been caught yet?” the veterans asked, directing their criticism at the Modi government.

They also demanded transparency on Operation Sindoor — which the government claimed targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “What were the initial losses? How many soldiers were martyred?” they asked.

The meeting also raised questions about US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims of brokering an India-Pakistan ceasefire using trade threats. “Why did the ceasefire happen, how did it happen, and what was the deal? Modi ji, the country deserves an answer in Parliament,” the veterans said.

Col Rohit Chaudhry, national chairman of the Congress Ex-Servicemen Department, said the meeting aimed to set the tone ahead of the Parliament session. “The Congress has shown solidarity with the armed forces through Jai Hind Sabhas across the country. But the Modi government has failed in delivering the political objective. Despite our demand, it refused to call a special session of Parliament,” he said.

Chaudhry said the party will demand accountability from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the J&K Lieutenant Governor, central intelligence agencies and paramilitary forces over the lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack.

He also hit out at what he called the Modi government’s diplomatic failures, claiming that despite over 100 foreign visits by the Prime Minister, India had little to show for it.

“Pakistan is being rewarded with key roles at the UN and is receiving grants from institutions like the IMF, World Bank and ADB. Meanwhile, India is being left out. This is a complete foreign policy failure,” Chaudhry said.

Posted On: 19 JUL 2025 5:52PM by PIB Delhi

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington in Tamil Nadu on July 19, 2025. He addressed the student officers of 81st Staff Course, Permanent staff of the College and station officers of Wellington.

The CDS delivered a talk on Operation Sindoor and emphasised on important aspects of Tri-Services synergy demonstrated during the successful operations by the Indian Armed Forces.

Later, while interacting with the faculty of the college, General Anil Chauhan laid stress on Integration & Jointness imperatives, Capability Development, Aatmanirbharta and an in-depth understanding of the transformative changes being pursued in the military.

The CDS was also briefed by the DSSC Commandant Lt Gen Virendra Vats on the ongoing training activities at the College, where emphasis is being laid on fostering jointness & inter-services awareness, specifically with the institutionalisation of the Deep Purple Division.

The 45-week 81st Staff Course is presently underway at the College. The present course comprises 500 student officers, including 45 from 35 friendly countries.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Saturday delivered a talk on Operation Sindoor at a prestigious military institution and laid emphasis on the tri-services synergy demonstrated during the action by the Indian armed forces.

He visited the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Tamil Nadu, and also addressed the student officers of 81st Staff Course, its permanent staff and station officers of Wellington.

“The CDS delivered a talk on Operation Sindoor and emphasised on important aspects of tri-services synergy demonstrated during the successful operations by the Indian armed forces,” the Defence Ministry

Later, while interacting with the faculty of the college, Gen Chauhan laid stress on integration and jointness imperatives, capability development, ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and an in-depth understanding of the transformative changes being pursued in the military.

The CDS was also briefed by the DSSC Commandant, Lt Gen Virendra Vats, on the ongoing training activities at the college, where emphasis is being laid on fostering jointness and inter-services awareness, “specifically with the institutionalisation of the Deep Purple Division”, it said.

In a move to strengthen emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination, an Emergency Response Drill was successfully conducted at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Depot in Kargil today. The exercise was aimed at testing the efficiency, readiness, and response capabilities of various stakeholders in the event of a crisis or industrial accident.

An official statement said the drill witnessed the active participation of key departments and agencies including the Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Fire and Emergency Services, Kargil, District Police and the District Hospital. Their combined presence and swift engagement reflected the region’s commitment to disaster management and community safety.

The mock drill scenario simulated a “high-risk emergency involving a potential fuel leakage and fire outbreak at the depot.” Upon receiving the alert, “all emergency units responded in a time-bound and systematic manner.”

“Fire and Emergency Services demonstrated prompt firefighting action, while the District Hospital team carried out mock rescue and medical response operations. The Army and BRO assisted in crowd control, area security and evacuation operations, while the district police managed traffic diversion and ensured law and order throughout the operation,” the statement said.

The event was overseen by senior officials from IOCL and district administration, who appreciated the seamless coordination among all agencies. The drill not only helped in evaluating the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) but also identified areas for improvement to ensure rapid and effective crisis mitigation in real-life scenarios.

Speaking on the occasion, an IOCL spokesperson stated, “Safety is our topmost priority. This drill is part of our regular safety protocol to ensure preparedness against any potential threats. We thank all participating agencies for their cooperation and swift response.”

Such joint drills play a critical role in building a robust emergency response framework for high-altitude and strategically significant locations like Kargil, the statement noted.

Strategic Ladakh base to give IAF edge near border

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

Matching China in infrastructure development, India is set to provide connectivity to all Army outposts in the Himalayas within five years. Separately, the strategic air base at Nyoma in eastern Ladakh is expected to be completed by October this year.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) upgraded the mud-paved runway at Nyoma, located just 30 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, into a proper paved runway last year. “The target is to complete the rest of the work by October,” said BRO Director General Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan.

The Nyoma base is being developed to support aircraft launch and recovery, as well as minor maintenance work. This includes setting up radar stations and building habitats for IAF personnel. Located on the banks of the Indus, Nyoma lies 180 km south-east of Leh at an altitude of 13,700 feet, where winter temperatures can drop to minus 20°C, necessitating infrastructure suited to extreme cold.

Once completed, Nyoma will be the fourth IAF base in Ladakh. Leh already serves as an operational base, while Kargil and Thoise (base of Siachen) have full-fledged airstrips. Additionally, Daulat Beg Oldie has a mud-paved runway used for special operations. Though there are two other such runways at Fukche and Chushul, located just 2-3 km from the LAC, these are considered unusable in case of conflict.

On road infrastructure, Lt Gen Srinivasan said, “In another five years, there would be no portion of the border where we will not be able to deploy.” The BRO, a wing of the Ministry of Defence, is working to connect forward Army posts in the northern sector that are currently accessible only on foot. “Now we are connecting those posts with roads,” the DG said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced in Arunachal Pradesh, where the BRO is building two key highways that will link all the state’s valleys seamlessly.

Among other major projects is the Shinkun La tunnel, poised to be the world’s highest, which will provide year-round connectivity between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh and serve as a third access route to Ladakh.

All posts to get connectivity: BRO

• Five-year target: BRO aims to connect all forward Army posts along LAC, replacing foot-only access routes with roads in 5 years
• Arunachal highways: It is building key highways in Arunachal Pradesh to seamlessly connect remote valleys across the eastern frontier
• Shinkun La Tunnel: Set to Be world’s highest, it will offer year-round access between HP and Ladakh, easing military logistics

Fauja Singh fooled not just old age but even the Almighty, because at the age of 114 years, he was fit enough to run, and live without any ailment

Maj D P Singh Retd, spade runner

The Fauja Way

Fauja Singh fooled not just old age but even the Almighty, because at the age of 114 years, he was fit enough to run, and live without any ailment

Fitness, good health, longevity, and simplicity — Fauja Singh symbolised all this and more. ANI

It was on December 1 last year that I saw the frail, tall centenarian for the last time — he actually was beautifully young at heart.

Fauja Singh fooled not just old age but even the Almighty, because at the age of 114 years, he was fit enough to run, and live without any ailment.

The superman literally enjoyed the glory, the glamour, the attention and the food — yes, the food. He was a frugal eater and owed his fitness to eating the bare minimum. But ask Gurpreet, the organiser of ‘One Race’ marathons, where he and I would often meet. If Bapuji (as we called him) used to ask for anything, it just had to be arranged. Of course, there was a discipline about the quantity (minimum with increasing age), quality (no junk) and timing (no late evenings) of food.

Ironically, as a kid, he was rather weak, and started walking only at the age of five. He was treated to improve the strength of his legs. In his own words, perhaps that strength was saved by the Almighty for the later years of life. He started running marathons at the age of 89.

When Doaba region of Punjab saw mass migration, his family also shifted to the United Kingdom. He was never interested in going abroad but then destiny has its own powerful ways to put you in a place that defines your purpose in life. When he lost his wife, son and daughter in quick succession, he felt alone and was taken by his family to the UK.

It was difficult for him to adjust there and he seemed unhappy, till a friend suggested taking part in a charity run. It was a 20-km run but he felt that he ran 20 miles. He thought that just 6 more miles and it will be marathon distance, 26 miles (42 km). He soon realised the mistake that for a marathon, he would need to run double the distance. The spirited Khalsa didn’t give up.

It was decided to hire a coach and try even harder. On the first day of his coaching lessons, he turned up in a three-piece suit. He got attuned to the running attire, but refused to give up on his pagri. The marathon organisers had to relent, and thus was born the Turbaned Tornado. Fauja Singh, at 89, finished the London Marathon in 2000, his first.

On other days, such was his love for colours that the suit, tie and pagri used to be a perfect match.

As a fit centenarian, he used to feel sad at the fitness level of Indian oldies, especially females. “Aithey di buddiyaan vekho, unfit, jama ni apna khyal rakhdiyaan. Aa soniyaan memaan nu dekho, kinni fit hondiyaan ne (Indian elderly ladies don’t care about fitness and figure. Look at the English ladies, how fit and beautiful they are),” he would say.

Once, an octogenarian runner was invited for an event, but he didn’t stand with her for a picture. “Main ni khada hona buddi kol (I will not stand next to this old lady),” he muttered. But he was always ready for selfies with fit young ladies.

He inspired millions around the world but could not save himself in a hit-and-run mishap — an abrupt end to a beautiful journey. Whatever begins does come to an end but his life encourages us to live it fully. The Fauja way.

— The writer, known as the ‘Blade Runner’, is a Kargil veteran

Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) are conducting searches across four districts of the Kashmir Valley

Searches are being carried out by Jammu and Kashmir Police’s counter-intelligence wing at multiple locations in the Valley in connection with a terror case, officials said.

The searches by Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) are underway at 10 locations across four districts of the Kashmir Valley, the officials said.

Searches are being conducted to locate terrorist sleeper cells and recruitment modules.

The CIK searches are being conducted in six locations in Ganderbal, two in Budgam, and one each in Pulwama and Srinagar, they said.

The Tata Group on Friday announced setting up a Rs 500-crore welfare trust for the victims of the Air India plane crash that killed 260 persons in Ahmedabad last month.

Tata Sons and Tata Trusts have committed Rs 250 crore each to the AI-171 Memorial and Welfare Trust, which has been registered as a public charitable trust in Mumbai.

“The trust will provide both immediate and continuing support to the dependents/next-of-kin of the deceased, to those who were injured, and to all others who are directly or collaterally affected by the accident,” Tata Sons said in a statement on Friday.

Besides, the trust will provide aid and assistance for alleviation of any trauma or distress suffered by the first responders, medical and disaster relief professionals, social workers and governmental staff who provided invaluable institutional support and service in the aftermath of the accident.

A five-member board of trustees will manage and administer the trust.

Aksheev Thakur Tribune News Service

he wildlife panel of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has approved the installation of 4G mobile towers in the core zone of the Kanha Tiger Reserve to boost the communication services of the Madhya Pradesh Police which are combating Naxals. The Centre has set a deadline to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.

A core zone of a tiger reserve is the innermost area that is legally protected and human intervention is strictly prohibited. Considering that the proposed mobile tower installation at Supkhar village falls within the core area of the reserve, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had not approved the proposal earlier due to its ecologically sensitive location.

Infra to be removed once operations over

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has accepted Madhya Pradesh’s proposal to install 4G mobile towers in the core zone of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, subject to the condition that the mobile tower infrastructure must be removed once the Left Wing Extremism threat is neutralised.

“However, since the proposal has been identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as a critical requirement for enhancing communication infrastructure in remote forested areas to support operations against Left Wing Extremism (LWE), the project holds the national security significance,” an official said.

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) was informed that the proposal by the Madhya Pradesh Police was for the use of 0.0324 ha of forest land from the core zone of the reserve for anti-Naxal operation. The proposal has been recommended by the Madhya Pradesh Government and its forest department.

The ministry has accepted the proposal subject to the condition that the mobile tower infrastructure must be decommissioned and removed once the Left Wing Extremism threat is neutralised and the area is declared free from insurgent activity.