Surface-to-air missile Akash test-fired

India's surface-to-air missile Akash was test-fired from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur on Wednesday, defence sources said.

The missile was test fired at around 1:40 pm.

Aimed at a moving target, the missile was fired from a mobile launcher. The exercise was supported by a Pilotless Target Aircraft, the sources said.

The missile was earlier test-fired on December three.

Scientists had, on Saturday, said the missile, with a range of 25 km, would undergo a few more tests.

With the launch weight of 700 kg, the 5.6 metre long missile had the ability to carry a 60 kg warhead, the sources said.

The sophisticated missile used an integral ramjet rocket propulsion system and had a low reaction time.

The missile, often compared with the US-made 'Patriot', operated in conjunction with the indigenously built Rajendra Surveillance and Engagement Radar developed by the Hyderabad-based Electronic Research and Development Establishment.

'Akash' could be launched from a battle tank and had thrust during its entire flight and the propulsion worked till it hit the target, the sources said.

The missile had undergone repeated tests in recent months with three launchings within a span of 17 minutes on September 28 last.

The experiment was repeated twice on October three. 'Akash' is part of Indian's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.

The other missiles being developed under the programme are 'Agni', 'Prithvi', 'Trishul' and 'Nag'.