the missile. The tests were conducted from complex 3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipuri in Odisha. The missiles targeted pilot less target aircraft (PTA) Lakshya, unmanned air vehicle (UAV) 'Banshee' and a para barrel target, two times each. On 30 March 2016, Indian Army stated that Akash area defence missile systems did not meet its operational requirements for defending its strike corps against enemy air attacks in forward areas, and was not ordering any more regiments. The Army instead was opting for four Israeli quick reaction SAM regiments. The missile was inducted into the Indian Army in May 2015. The Army is scheduled to get two Akash regiments by 2017. On 30 November 2017, Indian Army successfully tested fired five Akash missiles at Integrated Test Range (ITR) against multiple targets. Another test with an indigenous radio frequency seeker was successfully carried out on 5 December 2017 against a Banshee aerial drone. In May 2022, report was published that Indian Army is going to receive 2 Regiments of Akash Prime(Improved Variant) systems. Deployment The Indian Air Force has deployed Akash at its bases in Gwalior (Maharajpur AFS), Jalpaiguri (Hasimara AFS), Tezpur, Jorhat and Pune (Lohegaon AFS). The Indian Army has deployed one Akash Regiment in June–July 2015, with the second one to be ready by end of 2016. Indian Army deployed Akash air defence system along Line of Actual Control in Ladakh as tension rose between India and China 2020 China–India skirmishes. Operators Indian Air Force — Total 8 squadrons in service as of 2022. 7 more under induction process. Each squadron contains 8 Launchers, 125 missiles. Indian Army — Total 2 Regiments were ordered and delivered. (24 Launchers per Regiment) Export It was also reported in the media that Philippines, Belarus, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE, Vietnam and Armenia have shown interest in purchasing the Akash missile system. On 30 December 2020, Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister cleared the exports of Akash missile defence system. Philippines signed an arms agreement with India in March 2021 to potentially acquire Indian weapons including the Akash Missile. See also Akash-NG Type 3 Chū-SAM KS-1 NASAMS Barak 8 QRSAM VL-SRSAM Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) References External links Video of Akash missile tests Interview with Dr. Prahlada from DRDO Surface-to-air missiles of India Post–Cold War weapons of India Defence Research and Development Organisation Military equipment introduced