Akash, an anti-aircraft defence system, can simultaneously engage several targets with 'rajendra' radar developed by the electronics and radar development establishment (LRDE), a DRDO laboratory in Bangalore.

'Rajendra' does the surveillance, tracks the target, acquires it and guides the missile towards it.

The development of Akash missile took place during 1990s under the country's integrated guided missile development programme (IGMDP) and after many trials, it was inducted into the armed forces.

The DRDO has developed both the air force and army versions of the Akash missile.

Rajendra is a 'passive phased array radar'. It is a multifunction radar, capable of tracking as many as 64 targets and controlling up to 12 missiles simultaneously.

Defence experts have often compared Akash missile system with the American MIM-104 patriot surface-to-air missile system.

They claim that similar to the MIM-104, the Akash is capable of neutralising aerial targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles.