India has officially shipped the first battery of the Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system to Armenia, marking another significant milestone in India’s defence export strategy. This is India’s second major defence export deal, following the export of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to the Philippines. The Akash system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is a state-of-the-art SAM designed to counter aerial threats within a range of 25 km.
Akash Missile System Exported to Armenia: Key Features
It is a highly mobile defence system, is equipped with:
- Range: Can neutralize aerial threats like fighter jets, missiles, and drones up to 25 km away.
- Components: Each Akash battery includes one Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array radar and four launchers, each armed with three missiles.
- Indigenous Production: The Akash system boasts over 96% indigenous components, reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliant defence manufacturing.
This export underscores Armenia’s trust in India’s defence capabilities as it seeks to strengthen its military amid ongoing regional tensions. The Indian government has set a defence export target of ₹35,000 crore for 2024-25, following a record of ₹21,083 crore in exports in the previous fiscal year.
India’s Growing Defence Export Sector
Since 2020, India has witnessed a surge in defence exports, reflecting growing global interest in its indigenously developed weapon systems. The United States and France have become major buyers, while countries like Vietnam, Egypt, and the Philippines have also shown interest in acquiring Indian defence technologies.
Akash Missile System for Armenia
| Aspect | Details |
| Weapon System | Akash Missile System |
| Type | Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) |
| Range | 25 km |
| Primary Target | Aircraft, drones, missiles |
| Manufacturers | DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) |
| Radar | Rajendra 3D Passive Electronically Scanned |
| Launchers per System | Four (Each with three missiles) |
| Other Interest | Vietnam, Egypt, Philippines |
News Summary
- Event: India’s export of Akash missile system to Armenia
- Significance: Second major defence export after BrahMos to the Philippines
- Features: Highly mobile, equipped with radar and launchers, range of 25 km
- Export Goal: India targets ₹35,000 crore in defence exports for 2024-25
- Key Markets: U.S., France, Armenia, with interest from Vietnam and Egypt
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FAQs (People Also Ask)
It is an indigenously developed surface-to-air missile by DRDO, designed to counter aerial threats within 25 km
Armenia purchased to enhance its defence capabilities amid regional tensions with Azerbaijan
India shipped the Armenia in November 2024.
Akash is a surface-to-air-missile for defence against aerial threats, while BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile used for precision strikes.
It is developed by DRDO and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in India.
Nations like the Philippines, Vietnam, Egypt, and the United States have shown interest in India’s defence exports.
The Akash missile has a range of 25 km, capable of intercepting various aerial threats.
