Akash vs 9K34 Strela-3

Overview

The Akash and the 9K34 Strela-3 are both Surface-to-Air missiles.

The Akash has a range of 45 km — 10:1 the 9K34 Strela-3's 4 km. The Akash reaches 3,087 km/h vs 2,160 km/h for the 9K34 Strela-3. The Akash carries a 60 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the 9K34 Strela-3. Launch weight is 720 kg for the Akash vs 10 kg for the 9K34 Strela-3. The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance, while the 9K34 Strela-3 relies on Infra-red homing.

The 9K34 Strela-3 entered service 35 years before the Akash (1974 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
Soviet portable surface-to-air missile, entered service in 1974, guided by infrared homing.
Origin 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Surface-to-Air
Type Portable infrared surface-to-air missile
Manufacturer KBM
Service year 1974
Number produced -- 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 4.5 km
Maximum speed Mach 1.8
Weight 10 kg
Warhead 1.0 kg
Length 1.40 m
Diameter 75 mm
Guidance Infra-red homing
Warhead type High Explosive

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Akash or 9K34 Strela-3?
The Akash has a longer range at 45 km compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 4 km.
Which is faster, the Akash or 9K34 Strela-3?
The Akash is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's Mach 1.8.
Which has a larger warhead, the Akash or 9K34 Strela-3?
The Akash carries a larger warhead at 60 kg compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the Akash or 9K34 Strela-3?
The Akash is heavier at 720 kg compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 10 kg.
Which is longer, the Akash or 9K34 Strela-3?
The Akash is longer at 5.78 meters compared to the 9K34 Strela-3's 1.40 meters.
What guidance systems do the Akash and 9K34 Strela-3 use?
The Akash uses Active radar homing guidance while the 9K34 Strela-3 uses Infra-red homing guidance.
Which entered service first, the Akash or 9K34 Strela-3?
The 9K34 Strela-3 entered service first in 1974, 35 years before the Akash which entered service in 2009.