India is set to deliver an indigenously developed anti-air system to Armenia, contributing to an expanding array of exports to the Asian nation. This includes multi-barrel rocket launchers, artillery guns, as well as various types of ammunition and drones.

According to sources, deliveries of the Akash anti-air systems produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are anticipated to commence soon as part of an estimated ₹6,000-crore deal. In addition to being exported to nations like Vietnam and the Philippines, this indigenous technology is currently in use by the Indian military forces.

In April, the defense ministry acknowledged an undisclosed export order for the anti-air system, refraining from divulging information about the recipient nation. Moreover, in March, the Army secured two additional regiments of the air defense system through a deal valued at ₹8,160 crore.

Manufactured by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Akash is a short-range surface-to-air missile system. It has been developed to protect vulnerable areas and vulnerable points from air attacks. It has been inducted and operational with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

The weapons system can simultaneously engage multiple Targets in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode. It has built-in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features, according to the DRDO. This means its mechanisms on board can counter the electronic systems that deceive the detection systems.

The complete weapon system has been adapted for use on mobile platforms. The Akash missile system is composed of a launcher, a set of missiles, a control centre, an integrated mission guidance system, and C4I (command, control, communication, and intelligence) centres. Additionally, it includes ground equipment, and each missile battery is accompanied by a radar named Rajendra. According to the Ministry of Defence, it is 96 percent indigenised. The improved version of the Akash missile system has a reduced footprint, 360° Engagement Capability, and advanced seekers. 

India recently demonstrated the firepower of its Akash surface-to-air (SAM) weapon system, where a single firing unit simultaneously engaged and destroyed four unmanned targets during the recent Exercise Astrashakti 2023.

The Philippines, Brazil, Egypt, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expressed interest in this weaponry. Continuously enhanced by DRDO scientists, there is potential for additional orders from Southeast Asia and West Asia.

The arms sale to Armenia is integral to India's broader geopolitical strategy, raising concerns among nations such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. These countries view India's expanding defense and strategic alliances with Armenia and Greece as a potential challenge to their interests in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Image source: Times of India