Ladakh: In a significant boost to India’s air defence capabilities, the Indian Army successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the indigenously developed Akash Prime air defence system at over 15,000 feet in the Ladakh sector on Tuesday. The tests, conducted in coordination with the Army Air Defence and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marked a key milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous military arsenal.
According to defence officials cited by ANI, the Akash Prime system made two direct hits against fast-moving aerial targets during the trials, despite the rarefied atmosphere and challenging terrain. The system, an advanced version of the Akash missile, is expected to become part of the third and fourth regiments of the Indian Army’s Akash air defence units.
The Akash Prime has already proven its battlefield value during Operation Sindoor, where it played a pivotal role in countering aerial threats from Chinese-origin aircraft and Turkish drones deployed by Pakistan.
Indian Army successfully conducted trials of the Akash Prime air defence system at 15,000+ ft altitude in Ladakh.
🔹 Trials were carried out by Army Air Defence units in collaboration with senior DRDO officials.
🔹 2 direct hits achieved on fast-moving aerial targets in… pic.twitter.com/2cJKw5A3PA
— Defence Decode® (@DefenceDecode) July 16, 2025
Alongside the successful missile trials, the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps, based in Leh, also conducted an Integrated Firing Exercise in Ladakh. The exercise aimed to test joint combat readiness, validate new-generation equipment, and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) suited for future warfare.
“This exercise was conducted in line with the Indian Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ vision,” said the Corps in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). The drills involved the deployment of battlefield equalisers and cutting-edge combat systems, reinforcing the Army’s emphasis on readiness in high-altitude conflict zones.
The developments follow a strong message from South Western Army Commander Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, who recently called for urgent innovation and adaptation to meet the evolving demands of hybrid warfare. Speaking at a seminar titled “Next Generation Combat – Shaping Tomorrow’s Military Today” at Jaipur Military Station, he emphasized the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing decision-making, speed, and precision in future operations.
The success of Akash Prime and the integrated exercise in Ladakh underscore the Army’s strategic focus on indigenous capability-building, technological innovation, and operational preparedness in one of the most sensitive regions of the country.
