Akash vs Rapier
The Akash and the Rapier are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The Akash has a range of 45 km — 5.5x the Rapier's 8 km. The Akash reaches 3,087 km/h vs 3,700 km/h for the Rapier. The Akash carries a 60 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the Rapier. Launch weight is 720 kg for the Akash vs 43 kg for the Rapier. The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance, while the Rapier relies on Semi-automatic command to line of sight. The Akash has been produced in 15,500 units vs 25,000 for the Rapier. The Rapier entered service 38 years before the Akash (1971 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 |
| British surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1971, utilizes semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Radar-guided surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | British Aerospace |
| Service year | 1971 |
| Number produced | 25,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| 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 | 8.2 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3.0 ◉ |
| Weight | 43 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 1.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.24 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 133 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Semi-automatic command to line of sight |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Akash or Rapier?
The Akash has a longer range at 45 km compared to the Rapier's 8 km.
Which is faster, the Akash or Rapier?
The Rapier is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 3.0 compared to the Akash's Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the Akash or Rapier?
The Akash carries a larger warhead at 60 kg compared to the Rapier's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Akash or Rapier?
The Akash is heavier at 720 kg compared to the Rapier's 43 kg.
Which is longer, the Akash or Rapier?
The Akash is longer at 5.78 meters compared to the Rapier's 2.24 meters.
What guidance systems do the Akash and Rapier use?
The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance while the Rapier uses Semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance.
Which entered service first, the Akash or Rapier?
The Rapier entered service first in 1971, 38 years before the Akash which entered service in 2009.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Akash or Rapier?
The Rapier has been produced in greater numbers with 25,000 units compared to 15,500 units of the Akash.