Akash hit Nishant, a pilotless training aircraft flown earlier from the ITR, with desired accuracy, defence sources said.

The test was exclusively meant to measure the timing and range of Akash, compared to Patriot missiles, and also its ability to hit a moving object in different range.

Sources said, the data collected from the experiment would be analysed and, if necessary, further tests would be conducted.

The sources said that the test of both Nishant and Akash to gauge the accuracy of the missile was a major achievement of the scientists of the defence research and development organisation (DRDO).

Defence sources said the indigenously developed Akash has a range of 25 km and ability to carry a payload of 55 kg.

Described as a next generation weapon, Akash was being developed as a missile for missile. It is powered by a Ramrocked propulsion and air breathing engine.

The missile can cut through electronic jamming withelectronic counter-measure equipment, the sources said adding this patriot type missile with phased array radar 'Rajendra' could act both as a missile shield and effective anti-missile system.

Desert trials of the missile's self-propelled launcherhad been a success. The multi-functional radar system had been integrated with the missile system, the sources said.

Scientists of the DRDO and defence research anddevelopment laboratory at Hyderabad were present during today's experiment.