Akash vs IRIS-T SLM
The Akash and the IRIS-T SLM are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 45 km for the Akash vs 40 km for the IRIS-T SLM. The Akash reaches 3,087 km/h vs 3,600 km/h for the IRIS-T SLM. The Akash carries a 60 kg warhead vs 11 kg for the IRIS-T SLM. Launch weight is 720 kg for the Akash vs 130 kg for the IRIS-T SLM. The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance, while the IRIS-T SLM relies on Combined radar and infrared guidance. Unit cost is $0.5M for the Akash vs $0.63M for the IRIS-T SLM. The Akash entered service 11 years before the IRIS-T SLM (2009 vs 2020).
| Indian surface-to-air missile, entered service in 2009, utilizes active radar homing for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇮🇳 India |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Bharat Dynamics Limited |
| Service year | 2009 |
| Number produced | 15,500 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.5 million |
| German surface-to-air missile, entered service in 2020, uses combined radar and infrared guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇩🇪 Germany |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Diehl Defence |
| Service year | 2020 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.6 million |
| Range | 45.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 â—‰ |
| Weight | 720 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 60.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 5.78 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 350 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Active radar homing |
| Warhead type | High-explosive fragmentation |
| Range | 40.0 km â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.9 â—‰ |
| Weight | 130 kg â—‰ |
| Warhead | 11.0 kg â—‰ |
| Length | 3.45 m â—‰ |
| Diameter | 152 mm â—‰ |
| Guidance | Combined radar and infrared guidance |
| Warhead type | Dual-layer HE/fragmentation |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Akash or IRIS-T SLM?
The Akash has a longer range at 45 km compared to the IRIS-T SLM's 40 km.
Which is faster, the Akash or IRIS-T SLM?
The IRIS-T SLM is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 2.9 compared to the Akash's Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the Akash or IRIS-T SLM?
The Akash carries a larger warhead at 60 kg compared to the IRIS-T SLM's 11 kg.
Which is heavier, the Akash or IRIS-T SLM?
The Akash is heavier at 720 kg compared to the IRIS-T SLM's 130 kg.
Which is longer, the Akash or IRIS-T SLM?
The Akash is longer at 5.78 meters compared to the IRIS-T SLM's 3.45 meters.
What guidance systems do the Akash and IRIS-T SLM use?
The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance while the IRIS-T SLM uses Combined radar and infrared guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the Akash or IRIS-T SLM?
The Akash entered service first in 2009, 11 years before the IRIS-T SLM which entered service in 2020.