The story behind India’s Akash missile system traces back to a pivotal moment when Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s ‘Missile Man,’ imparted a powerful lesson on strength and self-reliance. His philosophy—“Only the powerful are respected”—laid the foundation for India’s Integrated Guided Missile Programme (IGMP), which led to the development of the Akash surface-to-air missile.
The Moment That Defined India’s Missile Program
- A Question That Sparked Innovation: Former DRDO scientist Dr. Sudhir Mishra once asked Kalam why India needed to build its own weapons when foreign nations refused to share missile technology.
- Kalam’s Response: Instead of answering immediately, Kalam calmly said, “Raat mein jawab dunga” (I will answer at night). Over dinner, he explained that power commands respect, shaping India’s defense strategy.
- Birth of Akash Missile: Between 1982 and 1984, under Kalam’s leadership, India launched the IGMP, leading to the creation of Akash, a formidable air-defense system.
Akash Missile: India’s Strategic Asset
- Range & Capabilities: Akash has a 25-km range, used by both the Indian Air Force and Army.
- Advanced Features: It can engage multiple aerial targets, resist jamming, and operate with radars scanning up to 120 km.
- Recent Deployment: The missile played a decisive role in crippling Pakistan’s air defense during the May 7 conflict, proving its effectiveness in modern warfare.
Legacy & Future Outlook
Dr. Kalam’s vision continues to shape India’s defense strategy, reinforcing the country’s self-reliance in missile technology. The Akash system, built under the supervision of Padma Shri awardee Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, remains one of India’s most strategic defense assets.
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