Indigenously-developed surface-to-air 'Akash' missiles of Air Force successfully test fired; Indian Navy creates new post to harness space-based military capabilities
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    • (MAY 28-JUNE 3)

    According to reports, India on June 1, 2012, successfully test fired its two indigenously-developed surface-to-air 'Akash' missiles of Air Force version with a strike range of 25 km from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. Integrated Test Range (ITR) Director M V K V Prasad said, "Two Air Force version Akash missiles were test-fired from the ITR in quick succession. Both the trials were successful and met all the mission objectives." The anti-aircraft missiles, with a strike range of 25 km and capable of carrying warhead of 60 kgs, were test fired from a mobile launcher at launch complex-III of the ITR. This test-fire came after similar trials conducted from the same test range on May 24, 26 and 28 this year. The DRDO has developed both the Air Force and Army versions of the Akash missile. 1

    In another development, reports noted that the Indian Navy has created a new post of assistant chief of naval staff (communications, space and network-centric operations) with an eye on the future in which space-based military capabilities will play a critical role in all conflicts. Rear Admiral Kishan K Pandey has taken over as the first ACNS (CSNCO) at Navy HQs. The move also comes ahead of the planned launch of India's first military satellite, a naval communications and surveillance satellite, this year. For nearly five years, Rear Admiral Pandey, a communications and electronic warfare specialist, has been spearheading various prestigious projects at the Directorate of Naval Signals related with building the critical network-centric capabilities. 2

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