The Indian Army has successfully conducted trials of the indigenously developed "Akash Prime" air defence system in eastern Ladakh at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet. The two-day trial, conducted by the Army Air Defence Corps in collaboration with DRDO scientists, achieved two direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets in the high-altitude environment.

Akash Prime represents an upgraded version of the existing Akash system, featuring an indigenous active Radio Frequency seeker for enhanced precision regardless of weather and terrain conditions. The system will form the third and fourth regiments of Akash air defence systems in the Indian Army.

This medium-range, surface-to-air missile platform protects military installations from aerial threats, operating at heights up to 4,500 metres with an effective range of 25-30 kilometres.