India has achieved a significant milestone in defence exports by sending the indigenous Akash Air Defence Missile system to a friendly country, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make for the World” initiative. This move marks a key step toward India’s ambition of becoming a major player in the global defence market, leveraging its growing technological expertise and self-reliance in military manufacturing.
The first battery of the Akash missile system was flagged off by Sanjeev Kumar, the Defence Secretary (Production), marking the official export of this advanced defence technology. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the state-owned company that manufactures the Akash system, confirmed the export but withheld the name of the recipient nation, which has led to speculation that Armenia is the likely buyer. This is not surprising, considering that Armenia has been a key partner of India in defence, having previously purchased India’s Pinaka rocket system.
The decision to keep the identity of the recipient country under wraps likely stems from geopolitical sensitivities in the region. Armenia and Azerbaijan have had longstanding conflicts, and Azerbaijan had strongly opposed India’s earlier defence exports to Armenia, including the Pinaka rocket system, due to their tensions. As a result, India may have opted to avoid stirring further diplomatic concerns by not publicly naming the country receiving the Akash missile.
India’s Strategic Push for Defence Exports
This development aligns with PM Modi’s focus on promoting self-reliance in defence production under the “Make in India” initiative. India’s growing defence exports are part of a broader strategy to enhance the military capabilities of its allies and partners. Alongside the Akash missile system, India has exported other advanced weapons, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which was recently supplied to the Philippines. India is also in discussions with countries like Brazil and Vietnam, which have expressed interest in acquiring the Akash missile system.
The success of India’s defence exports reflects a shift in global defence procurement. Traditionally, countries like Armenia have been heavily reliant on Russian arms. However, as tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan have escalated, and Russia’s focus on its own geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, Armenia has sought alternative sources of military equipment. This has opened doors for India to step in as a supplier of reliable and cost-effective defence technology.
The Akash Missile System: A Strategic Asset
Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash missile system is a versatile and advanced surface-to-air missile that provides robust air defence capabilities. It has a range of up to 25 kilometers and is capable of engaging a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and missiles. Initially inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2012, Akash has been a core component of India’s defence strategy and has since been adopted by the Indian Army as well.
The system’s production is a joint effort between BEL, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and private sector companies like L&T and Tata. It is highly mobile, mounted on wheeled or tracked vehicles, making it suitable for rapid deployment in various combat scenarios. A single battery of the Akash missile system can simultaneously track 64 targets and destroy up to 12 aerial threats at once, making it an effective tool for defending airspace and ground assets.
One of Akash’s notable achievements occurred in December 2023, when India became the first country to destroy four aerial targets simultaneously with a single firing unit. This capability to handle multiple threats at once is a major strategic advantage, especially in the event of simultaneous aerial attacks from missiles, drones, or fighter jets.
Global Interest in Akash
Countries beyond Armenia are increasingly showing interest in the Akash missile system. Vietnam, Egypt, and the Philippines have expressed a desire to acquire this sophisticated air defence system, recognizing its value in bolstering their defence capabilities. The Akash missile system’s proven reliability and advanced features make it an attractive option for countries looking to modernize their defence infrastructure.
India’s rising prominence as a defence exporter reflects a broader trend of diversification in global arms procurement. Nations like Armenia are no longer solely dependent on traditional suppliers like Russia but are now turning to India as a reliable alternative. This shift is further emphasized by Armenia’s growing interest in enhancing its defence capabilities amid its ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan.
India’s Rising Defence Influence
India’s export of the Akash missile system to Armenia, along with growing interest from other nations, signifies the country’s expanding role in the global defence market. With advanced missile systems like Akash, BrahMos, and Pinaka, India is positioning itself as a key player in global defence, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of self-reliance and “Make in India” for the world. As more countries seek to diversify their defence procurement, India’s expertise in producing advanced, cost-effective defence solutions is likely to continue attracting international interest, strengthening its position as a major global defence exporter.