The indigenously-developed supersonic surface-to-air missile "Aakash" was formally inducted in the Indian Air Force (IAF) here on Friday.The missile, having a speed three times faster than that of sound, can hit eight targets at a time, according to defence experts. In a function held here at the Maharajpur Air Force Station, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar handed over "Aakash" to IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. Aakash, which was already with the Indian Army, has now been inducted in the Indian Air Force.On this occasion, the IAF officials demonstrated to the defence minister how the missile functions.According to IAF sources, Aakash has been developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL) and the private sector.
The surface-to-air missile, prepared using 92 percent of indigenous machinery, can be transported anywhere via road, water or air transport, sources added.The missile can track a target 100 km away and hit the enemy's helicopter, plane or drone from a 25-km distance, according to defence experts.The missile's radar, developed by BEL, has been named "Rajendra Radar".