While the Akash system has primarily been designed as an air defence SAM, it also has been tested in a missile defense role.

The 3D CAR automatically starts tracking targets at a distance of around 150 km providing early warning to the system and operators.

[18] The design of the missile is somewhat similar to that of the 2K12 Kub with four long tube ramjet inlet ducts mounted mid-body between wings.

However, the internal schematic shows a different layout with an onboard digital computer, absence of semi-active seeker, different propellant, different actuators and command guidance with datalinks.

[19] The aerodynamic characterization research was conducted at the National Aerospace Laboratories' 1.2m Trisonic Wind Tunnel Facility.

[20] The Akash, like the Russian 2K12 Kub (SA-6 Gainful), utilizes an integrated ramjet-rocket propulsion system, which, after initial rocket motor burnout, provides sustained thrust for the missile throughout its flight until interception.

[22] The tracking and missile guidance radar configuration consists of a slewable phased array antenna of more than 4,000 elements, spectrally pure TWT transmitter, two stage superheterodyne correlation receiver for three channels, high speed digital signal processor, real time management computer and a powerful radar data processor.

It provides azimuth, range and height coordinates of targets to the Group Control Centre (GCC) through secure communication links.

The Air Force Akash launcher consists of a detachable trailer which is towed by a Tata truck, which can be positioned autonomously.

[28] Akash Air force launcher features an All electro servo drive system for fully automated and remote operation.

[19] To enable the Akash group to perform self-sufficient in the combat zone, a number of supporting specialist vehicles have been designed and developed.

Their design is based on the role and task to be performed and the vehicles are accordingly allocated to the Group HQ, the Batteries, Assembly Line Area and the Field maintenance workshop.

These specialist vehicles assemble and prepare missiles, deliver them to Batteries, carry maintenance spares and fuel, and provide logistical engineering support.

[12] For the first time, Akash showed in Exercise Astrashakti 2023 that it could engage four targets at once under command guidance with a single fire unit at a maximum range of about 30 km.

[33] It supports the combination of both command and active terminal seeker guidance to enhance the single shot kill probability[34] and is capable of striking down fighter jets and drones at a distance of around 18 to 30 km that can be fired from both tracked and wheeled platforms for greater mobility.

The missile is equipped with an improved active Ku, X band monopulse radio-frequency (RF) seeker developed by Research Center Imarat to further increase the accuracy.

Akash Prime is also optimized for low temperature and high altitude operations with modified ground system.

[82][83] On 16 March 2016, Director of Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), said that India is looking to double missile production to 100 per month, up from 50 to 60.

[84][85] A Comptroller and Auditor General report released in 2017 stated that because of a lack of adequate storage facilities, the life span of the missiles may be affected.

[86][87][88] The Indian Air Force was satisfied with the performance of Akash after extensive flight trials and has decided to induct the weapon system.

The IAF found the missile performance to be satisfactory and was expected to place orders for 16 more launchers to form two more squadrons for India's northeast theater.

[94] In February 2010, the Indian Air Force accepted the Akash missile system as a substantial part of its arsenal.

[99][100] On 1 September 2015, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the purchase of seven additional squadrons of the Akash missile for the Indian Air Force.

Bharat Dynamics (BDL) will be the system integrator and nodal production agency for the Akash Army variant.

On 30 March 2023, the MoD signed contracts for procurement of 2 Regiments of improved Akash Weapon System with BDL at a cost over ₹8,160 crore (US$940 million).

[117] 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.

[118] 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.

[119][120] On 30 December 2020, Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister cleared the exports of Akash missile defence system.

[121] Philippines signed an arms agreement with India in March 2021 to potentially acquire Indian weapons including the Akash SAM.

[133] On 12 November 2024, it was reported that the first battery of the Akash Weapon System, comprising four launchers with 3 missiles each and a Rajendra fire-control radar, was delivered to Armenia by Bharat Electronics.