Successful Trials of Akash Prime

Context:

The Indian Army and DRDO successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the indigenously developed Akash Prime air defence system in Ladakh, while Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles were test-fired from Chandipur.

Akash Prime:

It is an upgraded version of the Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
It is designed to engage aerial targets such as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles at medium range.
The recent trials at over 15,000 feet in Ladakh successfully demonstrated its high-altitude operational capability with direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets.

Indigenisation and DRDO Role:

The system is developed by DRDO and is part of India’s broader efforts to enhance indigenous defence manufacturing under initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

Strategic Ballistic Missiles (Agni-I &Prithvi-II):

Agni-I: A short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of ~700 km, capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It is road/rail mobile and developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
Prithvi-II: Also part of IGMDP, it has a range of ~250–350 km and is a short-range ballistic missile using liquid propulsion. It is primarily used by the Indian Army.

Strategic Forces Command (SFC):