How Dr Prahlada Ramarao and the Akash Missile shielded India from aerial threats

When drones and missiles from Pakistan entered Indian airspace on May 8 and 9, it was the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system that served as India's primary shield. Designed to detect and destroy aerial threats with precision, Akash intercepted multiple targets, earning national praise for its performance. At the heart of this achievement is Dr Prahlada Ramarao, a scientist from Karnataka, whose work with DRDO has been pivotal in shaping India’s missile defence program.

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Following the system’s successful deployment, Dr Ramarao expressed deep satisfaction, describing it as the most fulfilling moment of his career. "Watching a missile I helped develop neutralise enemy threats so accurately, it felt like my life’s work coming to life," he shared in a televised interview. He further noted that the missile exceeded its original performance expectations during this engagement.

Dr Ramarao’s involvement with Akash dates back to the early stages of India's missile development. Personally chosen by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, he became the youngest project director of the Akash programme at a time when the Indian Army was uncertain of the system’s viability.

Today, the Akash system is a cornerstone of India’s air defence and includes an upgraded variant, Akash-NG, which has a range of 80 km, can travel at 2,500 km/h, and simultaneously target 64 threats while launching 12 missiles.

Beyond Akash, Dr Ramarao has contributed to nearly ten missile projects, including Astra and the Indo-Russian BrahMos. His work has helped India become a key player in global defence, with countries like Armenia purchasing Indian-made systems like Akash and Pinaka.

According to Dr Ramarao, India’s missile systems stand out due to their affordability, ease of use, and strong performance.