The Air force version of surface-to-air ‘Akash’ missile was successfully test fired on Wednesday and achieved all its mission objectives.

The indigenously developed Akash missile was test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, concluding the fifth test of the anti-aircraft system recently. Defense officials said that the test was successful and it met all the mission objectives.

Akash missile has a strike range of 25 km and is capable of carrying warhead of 60 kg. It was tested from a mobile launcher at launch complex-III of the ITR. The trail follows similar tests by defense forces from the (ITR) on May 24, 26, 28 and June 1.

The test was conducted at 0757 hrs (IST), according to an official of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). The Akash weapon system was inducted into the armed forces in 2008. Experts say that the missile can be compared to American MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system.. they claims that the system is capable of neutralising aerial targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles, fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.

Sources said that the missile would boost the defending capabilities of the country and said that the tests proved the flight consistency and effectiveness of Akash.