Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 14 (ANI): Prahlada Ramarao, the former DRDO scientist behind India’s Akash missile system, recently shared his experiences and insights on the challenges encountered during the missile’s development. The Akash missile, which has successfully intercepted enemy missile threats, was first conceptualized in 1983 when Ramarao was a young scientist at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad. At that time, he worked under the guidance of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the Director of the lab.
In an interview with ANI, Ramarao reflected on the long journey of developing India’s missile technology and highlighted his close collaboration with Kalam during the initial project stages in the 1980s. Recalling his early experiences, Ramarao said, “In 1983, I was a junior scientist, working alongside Dr. Kalam. He was my mentor, and we frequently interacted on testing and mathematical modelling. I vividly remember when Dr. Kalam asked me a question, and I prepared a chart to present my findings to him. He was satisfied with how I had perceived the problem.”
In 1984, the missile system was officially named “Akash.” Ramarao’s dedication led to his appointment as the Project Director of the Akash missile program. Reflecting on his appointment, he said, “In 1984, the name of the missile was given as AKASH. To my pleasant surprise, I was named Project Director. I was young and overwhelmed by the responsibility, given the scale of the project.”
The development of the Akash missile faced multiple challenges. The system needed to work in perfect coordination with radar systems and ground infrastructure to counter fast-moving, maneuvering aircraft equipped with electronic warfare technology. Ramarao described it as a “complex task” that required years of research and testing. The missile’s multi-target engagement capability was particularly challenging, as it needed to simultaneously target multiple enemy aircraft with customized radar for beam agility.
One of the significant hurdles was the missile’s speed. To address this, the team developed a special propulsion system called Ramjet, which took considerable effort and involved collaboration among around 1,000 scientists across 12 laboratories nationwide. Coordinating such a vast team was a monumental task, Ramarao noted. Despite these challenges, the unwavering support of Dr. Kalam and the team’s dedication kept the project on track.
The Akash missile system became a cornerstone of India’s defence, significantly enhancing the country’s ability to counter aerial threats. The system, configured on mobile platforms, is capable of simultaneously engaging multiple targets in group or autonomous modes. It features built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) to withstand enemy electronic warfare.
The Akash missile system played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor, a calibrated military response to asymmetric warfare targeting both civilians and military personnel. The operation followed a terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025. India’s response was precise and strategic, targeting terrorist infrastructure without crossing the Line of Control or international boundary.
During the operation, indigenous high-tech systems, including the Akash missile, demonstrated stellar performance. These systems were integrated seamlessly into the national defence strategy, showcasing India’s capability in drone warfare, layered air defence, and electronic warfare. The Akash system’s role in protecting vulnerable areas and engaging multiple aerial threats underlined its strategic importance. (ANI)
About The Author
