Akash vs Iron Dome
The Akash and the Iron Dome are both Surface-to-Air missiles. Range is 45 km for the Akash vs 70 km for the Iron Dome. The Akash reaches 3,087 km/h vs 2,717 km/h for the Iron Dome. The Akash carries a 60 kg warhead vs 11 kg for the Iron Dome. Launch weight is 720 kg for the Akash vs 90 kg for the Iron Dome. The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance, while the Iron Dome relies on Electro-optic sensors. Unit cost is $0.5M for the Akash vs $0.15M for the Iron Dome. The Akash entered service 2 years before the Iron Dome (2009 vs 2011).
| 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 |
| Israeli surface-to-air missile, entered service in 2011, uses electro-optic sensors for guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | C-RAM and Short Range Air Defence System |
| Manufacturer | Rafael Advanced Defense Systems |
| Service year | 2011 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.2 million |
| Range | 45.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.5 ◉ |
| Weight | 720 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 60.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 5.78 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 350 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Active radar homing |
| Warhead type | High-explosive fragmentation |
| Range | 70.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.2 ◉ |
| Weight | 90 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 11.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 3.00 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 160 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Electro-optic sensors |
| Warhead type | Proximity fuze |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Akash or Iron Dome?
The Iron Dome has a longer range at 70 km compared to the Akash's 45 km.
Which is faster, the Akash or Iron Dome?
The Akash is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 compared to the Iron Dome's Mach 2.2.
Which has a larger warhead, the Akash or Iron Dome?
The Akash carries a larger warhead at 60 kg compared to the Iron Dome's 11 kg.
Which is heavier, the Akash or Iron Dome?
The Akash is heavier at 720 kg compared to the Iron Dome's 90 kg.
Which is longer, the Akash or Iron Dome?
The Akash is longer at 5.78 meters compared to the Iron Dome's 3.00 meters.
What guidance systems do the Akash and Iron Dome use?
The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance while the Iron Dome uses Electro-optic sensors guidance.
Which entered service first, the Akash or Iron Dome?
The Akash entered service first in 2009, 2 years before the Iron Dome which entered service in 2011.