Akash vs MIM-14 Nike Hercules
The Akash and the MIM-14 Nike Hercules are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has a range of 140 km — 3.1x the Akash's 45 km. The Akash reaches 3,087 km/h vs 4,900 km/h for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. The Akash carries a 60 kg warhead vs 500 kg for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. Launch weight is 720 kg for the Akash vs 4,850 kg for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance, while the MIM-14 Nike Hercules relies on Command guidance. The Akash has been produced in 15,500 units vs 25,000 for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. Unit cost is $0.5M for the Akash vs $3M for the MIM-14 Nike Hercules. The MIM-14 Nike Hercules entered service 51 years before the Akash (1958 vs 2009).
| 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 |
| American surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1958, utilized command guidance to intercept targets. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Bell |
| Service year | 1958 |
| Number produced | 25,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $3 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 | 140.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 4.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 4,850 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 500.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 12.53 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 800 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Command guidance |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Akash or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has a longer range at 140 km compared to the Akash's 45 km.
Which is faster, the Akash or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 4.0 compared to the Akash's Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the Akash or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules carries a larger warhead at 500 kg compared to the Akash's 60 kg.
Which is heavier, the Akash or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is heavier at 4,850 kg compared to the Akash's 720 kg.
Which is longer, the Akash or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules is longer at 12.53 meters compared to the Akash's 5.78 meters.
What guidance systems do the Akash and MIM-14 Nike Hercules use?
The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance while the MIM-14 Nike Hercules uses Command guidance guidance.
Which entered service first, the Akash or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules entered service first in 1958, 51 years before the Akash which entered service in 2009.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Akash or MIM-14 Nike Hercules?
The MIM-14 Nike Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 15,500 units of the Akash.