India exports Akash missile system to Armenia in Rs 6,000 crore deal
On November 12, reports emerged that a consignment of the indigenously manufactured Akash surface to air missile (SAM) has been exported to the central Asian Republic of Armenia.
Designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the medium range anti-aircraft missile, it’s launcher, radar and associated paraphernalia is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Larsen and Tubro and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and is already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.
Armenia had placed an order for 15 Akash missile systems estimated to be worth Rs 6,000 crore. The first batch comprising four launchers and three missiles each, and a Rajendra fire-control radar, was despatched by BEL on November 11. Armenia is also an export client for India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system.
“Today, BEL marked a significant step in India’s defence exports as Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary (DP), flagged off the first Akash Weapon System Battery for export to a Friendly Foreign Country,” BEL posted on its official X handle.
“This event reflects India’s growing capabilities in defence technology and manufacturing. BEL contributed to this achievement by providing key ground support equipment, including surveillance radars, missile guidance radars, and C4I systems,” the post read.
Often seen trundling down Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade and other events showcasing military prowess, Akash was also spotted at a Sudanese military exhibition in 2022 where equipment operated by Sudanese Armed Forces was displayed. Philippines, Brazil, Belarus, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE and Vietnam are reported to be among countries that have envisioned an interest in this system.
The mobile system, mounted on a truck or tracked vehicle, features a launch vehicle that carries three missiles. These missiles are capable of targeting aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles at a distance of up to 30 km and an altitude of 20,000 m. The system is accompanied by the Rajendra 3D radar, manufactured by BEL, which can track up to 64 targets at a distance of 150 km and engage up to 12 of them simultaneously.
Besides the launcher and the radar, the Akash missile group consists of several other platforms like the missile transportation vehicle, mobile station for missile checks, air compressor vehicle, power supply vehicle and engineering support, maintenance and repair vehicle.
The first test flight of the Akash missile was conducted in 1990 and development flights continued till March 1997. After a prolonged development phase, two missiles intercepted two fast moving targets in simultaneous engagement mode in 2005. Numerous trials and tests were carried out under different operational and environmental conditions over a decade.
On May 5, 2015, the Akash missile was inducted into the Indian Army followed by induction into the IAF on July 10, 2015. The IAF has 11 squadrons with eight launchers per squadron in service, with another four in the pipeline. The Army has two regiments with 24 launchers per regiment and two more regiments coming up.
The Army’s systems are based on the T-72 tank chassis which enable them to keep pace with mechanised formations and also negotiate rugged ground, while most of the IAF systems and on wheeled TATRA truck-trailers.
The Army deployed the Akash air defence system along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh during the stand-off with China in 2020. The IAF has Akash missile batteries located at sensitive airbases across the country.
One of Akash’s most significant achievements was during December 2023, when India became the first country to destroy four aerial targets simultaneously with a single firing unit, validating the capability to handle multiple threats at the same time.
The Ministry of Defence has claimed that the development cost of the Akash was Rs 1,000 crore which is 8 to 10 times lower than the cost of similar system developments in other countries. The Indian military’s combined orders of the Akash, including radar systems are valued at Rs 28,800 crore, leading to a saving of Rs 34,500 crore in foreign exchange, according to the MoD data.
A new variant with significant design changes, termed Akash – New Generation, is under development and some trials have been carried out. It will have a shorter reaction time and higher level of protection against attacks, new power plant, double the existing range and advanced on-board guidance systems.
In December 2020, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by the Prime Minister, cleared the Akash missile defence system for export.
