What's the source of slide ?
In the video of India TV, the scientist/engineers there explicitly mentioned that "the range is increased from 30km to 50km".
Old DRDO Video from Aero India or some DefExpo.
And I seriously doubt it's 50 km, most likely understating. Just Repeating
This has been discussed multiple times before as well. You cannot compare the volume of 2 different missiles and give a judgement on its range. Range is dependent on multiple variables but most importantly on what is the user requirement. This is not a strategic missile like Agni-5 that you need to understate its range for geopolitical reasons either. There is no reason to doubt the numbers given by the scientists that made the missile. Akash-NG is meant to be more maneuverable missile. It is going to go against highly maneuverable supersonic targets. That means, Akash-NG might have more solid fuel than Barak-8 but Akash_NG is going to burn that fuel much faster to be more effective in its end stage. Compare the launchers of barak8 vs akashNG. Barak8 has 8 tubes with vertical launch i.e. the missile is meant to follow a ballistic trajectory and is NOT very maneuverable in it end stage. AkashNG has slewable launcher with 6 tubes i.e it will be launched head on in the intended direction, more maneuverable in its end stage.
Explicitly mentioned as "subsonic cruise missile".
If it can engage supersonic target then it should have either been mentioned as "cruise missile" or "supersonic cruise missile".
I doubt our missile tech/algorithm is still at level of Israel or Russia
Attachments
Barak8 is a less maneuverable missile than AkashNG but Barak8 has been successfully tested(from ships) against brahmos repeatedly. This leads me to believe that AkashNG will do better than Barak8 in intercepting a supersonic missile like brahmos. This is just my opinion.
You should be looking at a SAM as a system not just missile.
Lets take Akash and QRSAM.
QRSAM has a dramatically smaller footprint. Meaning its designed to be deployed easily. Why is it like that? Because the user here is Army. who needs the system to cover mechanised formations when it moves. Its made for specific requirement way of operation by the army.
Akash-NG takes it further. Its made for Airforce requirement but refines the deployment footprint to minimal but keeps all the advantages. Better radar, seeker, EO assistance, low lifecycle cost and more are truly a modern evolution. But it will be expensive as it's closer to MRSAM.
From a missile to missile, the difference is engagement altitude. QRSAM is a short range system with altitude coverage upto 6km while Akash-NG is 18km. Airforce has the Spyder system below it for low level, quick reaction missile system.
Now, VLSRSAM has nothing to do with any of these. Its specifically made for navy to be plug and play with their combat management system with vertical launch canisters. It is to replace the Barak-1 role point defence missile. Can you convert the VL-SRSAM to the QRSAM role. Yes, but the missile is only a part of the system.