DRDO successfully test fired the Akash-1S surface-to-air defence missile in Balasore off the Odisha coast. It was the second successful test of the missile.

The Akash-1S is fitted with an indigenously-made seeker. The missile defence system has the capability to neutralise aerial targets such as fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles as well as ballistic missiles from distance of 18 to 30 kilometres, ANI reported.

Its advanced ECCM (Electronic Counter Counter Measures) features provide secure communication links with other Air Defence Command and Control networks to handle the counter electronic warfare scenario.