CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The IAF has initiated the process to induct the Akash surface-to-air missiles developed as a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Akash missile system can target aircraft up to 50 km (31 mi) away. It has the capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles as well as ballistic missiles. It is in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

Detailed explanation-3: -Trishul is a Short-Range surface-to-air missile with a range of 9 km, there were problems with this missile as it could not hit its targets. Hence, this program was officially closed in 2008 by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Detailed explanation-4: -The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was launched in 1982-83 by the Indian Government which saw the projects of: Prithvi (Short range surface to surface missile) Trishul (short range surface to air missile) Aakash (Medium range surface to air missile)

Detailed explanation-5: -Five Missiles Developed under the IGMDP: PRITHVI (Short range surface-to-surface ballistic missile) AGNI (Medium to intercontinental surface-to-surface missile) TRISHUL (Short range low-level surface-to-air missile) AKASH (Surface-to-air missile having a range of up to 25 Km and multi-target handling system)