DRDO SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTS USER EVALUATION TRIALS OF AKASH NG MISSILE SYSTEM The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the User Evaluation Trials (UET) of the Next Generation Akash missile system, Akash-NG. During these trials, the missile system effectively intercepted aerial targets across a range of scenarios, including near-boundary low-altitude engagements as well as long-range, high-altitude targets. Akash-NG is a highly capable air defence system, equipped with an indigenously developed radio frequency (RF) seeker and powered by a solid rocket motor. It is designed to counter a wide spectrum of aerial threats with enhanced accuracy and reliability. All major systems and sub-systems—such as the Multi-Function Radar (MFR), Command and Control Unit, and Missile Launch Vehicle (MLV)—have been developed by various DRDO laboratories in collaboration with Indian industry partners. The trials were observed by senior scientists from DRDO and user representatives from the Indian Air Force (IAF), underscoring the system’s operational readiness. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, and industry partners on the successful completion of the User Evaluation Trials, stating that the state-of-the-art Akash-NG system will significantly enhance the air defence capabilities of the IAF. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO also lauded the teams involved in the successful trials, noting that the completion of UET marks a major milestone and paves the way for induction of the Akash-NG missile system into the Indian Armed Forces.

INDIAN COAST GUARD COMMISSIONS ITS FIRST INDIGENOUS POLLUTION CONTROL VESSEL The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted its first in-built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), Samudra Pratap (Yard 1267), on 23 December 2025. The vessel has been constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) under the project for two Pollution Control Vessels. With more than 60% indigenous content, the induction marks a significant step towards the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. Samudra Pratap is the first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel for the Indian Coast Guard and is also the largest ship in its fleet. The vessel measures 114.5 metres in length and 16.5 metres in breadth, with a displacement of 4,170 tonnes. It is equipped with modern weaponry and advanced systems, including a 30 mm CRN-91 gun, two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns with integrated fire control systems, an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System, and a high-capacity external firefighting system. The vessel is the first ICG ship to feature Dynamic Positioning capability (DP-1) and is certified with FiFi-2 / FFV-2 notation. It is fitted with advanced pollution response equipment such as an oil fingerprinting machine, a gyro-stabilised standoff active chemical detector, and a dedicated pollution control laboratory. These systems enable detection, analysis, recovery, and treatment of oil spills and other pollutants, supporting comprehensive pollution response operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone and beyond. The induction ceremony was attended by DIG V K Parmar, PD (MAT), ICG; Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director of GSL; and other senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard and Goa Shipyard Limited.