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India Ships First Akash Air Defence System to Armenia
In a significant step for India’s defence export sector, the first Akash air defence missile battery has been shipped to Armenia, marking India’s second missile export.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Akash missile system is designed for surface-to-air defence, capable of targeting fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones, and other aerial threats within a 25 km range.
Advanced Missile Technology for Armenia
The Akash missile system, manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), features a single Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array radar, four launchers, and three missiles per launcher, all interconnected for seamless operation. Secretary of Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar, officially “flagged off the 1st Akash Weapon System Battery to a Friendly Foreign Country,” reflecting India’s enhanced capabilities in defence manufacturing.
“This event reflects India’s growing capabilities in defence technology and manufacturing,” BEL announced. The Union Cabinet had previously approved the export of the Akash system in December 2020, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noting that the export version is distinct from the system used by the Indian armed forces. He highlighted that over 96% of the missile’s components are domestically sourced.
Armenia Expands Its Defence Arsenal
Armenia’s procurement of 15 Akash systems, a deal valued at approximately Rs 6,000 crore, marks the country as the first foreign buyer of this missile system. This acquisition aligns with Armenia’s ongoing efforts to bolster its defence capabilities amidst tensions with Azerbaijan. Previously reliant on Russian arms, Armenia’s engagement with India signals an expansion of its defence procurement network.
India’s defence export momentum continues, as demonstrated by a major export agreement with the Philippines in 2022 for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the first batch of which was delivered earlier this year. Meanwhile, nations such as Vietnam and Egypt have shown interest in India’s indigenous Akash system.
BEL has contributed key ground support equipment for the Akash system, including surveillance radars, missile guidance radars, and C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems, underscoring India’s capability to produce and export advanced defence technology.
