Ladakh | July 17, 2025 — In a significant leap for India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the upgraded Akash Prime Weapon System has successfully intercepted and destroyed two high-speed aerial unmanned targets in high-altitude conditions in Ladakh. The successful trials mark a major milestone in the Indian Army’s high-altitude air defence preparedness.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Akash Prime system—customized specifically for operations above 4,500 meters—performed with high precision and demonstrated enhanced operational effectiveness. The trials were conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and other industry partners.
The upgraded variant features an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, making it capable of neutralizing fast-moving aerial threats in some of the most challenging terrains.
“This success highlights the strength of India’s indigenous weapons ecosystem and reflects our strategic focus on self-reliance in defence,” the Defence Ministry noted in a statement.
High-Altitude Capability a Strategic Edge
Akash Prime’s successful trial is significant not only for its performance but also for the operational environment in which it was tested. High-altitude warfare, especially in regions like eastern Ladakh, has become a key focus for India’s military planners in light of recent border tensions.
The latest upgrades to the Akash Prime system were developed based on operational feedback from field units, incorporating refinements to ensure higher performance, better targeting accuracy, and survivability under extreme environmental conditions.
Context: After Operation Sindoor Success
The latest trial follows the widely praised performance of India’s homegrown air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, an earlier strategic military exercise. The Akash Prime’s deployment potential is now being viewed not only as a defence force multiplier but also as a viable export product in global defence markets increasingly interested in Indian-developed platforms.
Official Response
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Army, DRDO, and participating industry units for the successful demonstration. He described the milestone as a “significant boost” to India’s air defence capabilities, especially for high-altitude theatres where conventional systems often underperform.
This report is based on official statements from the Ministry of Defence following the successful high-altitude trial of Akash Prime in Ladakh on July 17, 2025.
