Akash vs RIM-116 RAM
The Akash and the RIM-116 RAM are both Surface-to-Air missiles. The Akash has a range of 45 km — 4.8x the RIM-116 RAM's 9 km. The Akash reaches 3,087 km/h vs 3,430 km/h for the RIM-116 RAM. The Akash carries a 60 kg warhead vs 10.2 kg for the RIM-116 RAM. Launch weight is 720 kg for the Akash vs 72 kg for the RIM-116 RAM. The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance, while the RIM-116 RAM relies on Passive radio frequency/infrared homing. The Akash has been produced in 15,500 units vs 1,600 for the RIM-116 RAM. Unit cost is $0.5M for the Akash vs $0.905M for the RIM-116 RAM. The RIM-116 RAM entered service 17 years before the Akash (1992 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 1992, uses passive radio frequency/infrared homing guidance. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Surface-to-Air |
| Type | Infrared surface-to-air missile |
| Manufacturer | Loral Aerospace |
| Service year | 1992 |
| Number produced | 1,600 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.9 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 | 9.4 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.8 ◉ |
| Weight | 72 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 10.2 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.79 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 127 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Passive radio frequency/infrared homing |
| Warhead type | High Explosive |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the Akash or RIM-116 RAM?
The Akash has a longer range at 45 km compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 9 km.
Which is faster, the Akash or RIM-116 RAM?
The RIM-116 RAM is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 2.8 compared to the Akash's Mach 2.5.
Which has a larger warhead, the Akash or RIM-116 RAM?
The Akash carries a larger warhead at 60 kg compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 10 kg.
Which is heavier, the Akash or RIM-116 RAM?
The Akash is heavier at 720 kg compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 72 kg.
Which is longer, the Akash or RIM-116 RAM?
The Akash is longer at 5.78 meters compared to the RIM-116 RAM's 2.79 meters.
What guidance systems do the Akash and RIM-116 RAM use?
The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance while the RIM-116 RAM uses Passive radio frequency/infrared homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the Akash or RIM-116 RAM?
The RIM-116 RAM entered service first in 1992, 17 years before the Akash which entered service in 2009.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Akash or RIM-116 RAM?
The Akash has been produced in greater numbers with 15,500 units compared to 1,600 units of the RIM-116 RAM.