After Armenia, Another Nation Eyes India's Akash-1S, a Surface-to-Air Missile System with 96% Indigenous Content

Following the successful export of the Akash-1S Air Defence System to Armenia, India is now in talks with another potential buyer, further solidifying the growing interest in Indian defence technology on the global stage.

The Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is capable of detecting and tracking enemy aircraft at long ranges and engaging them effectively within a 25-kilometer radius. The system was inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2014 and the Indian Army in 2015.

The Akash-1S represents an advanced iteration of the original Akash system, boasting improved seeker technology for enhanced target acquisition and engagement. This version can handle threats from any direction, even under challenging conditions like high altitudes and low temperatures, making it a versatile asset for air defence.

India's first export of the Akash-1S to Armenia was a significant milestone. The deal, estimated at Rs 6,000 crore, not only demonstrated the international market's confidence in India's indigenous defence solutions but also carried strategic implications.

While the identity of the second country engaged in negotiations remains confidential, this development clearly indicates a growing trust in Indian defence capabilities. The Akash-1S's reputation for reliability and its high indigenization rate of over 96% are key factors attracting interest from foreign militaries seeking to bolster their air defence systems without heavy reliance on Western or Russian technology.

This growing interest in the Akash-1S underscores India's emergence as a significant player in the global defence market. As India continues to develop and export advanced defence systems like the Akash-1S, it is steadily strengthening its position as a reliable and competitive supplier of defence technology on the world stage.

 

[Ammoman]

The effectiveness of the weapon system is the most important. Stop worrying about how indigenous it is. Look at the Tejas, 40 years and almost nothing.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a much better and advanced SAM than the original version that used a lot of old Russian parts, components and technology like its radio frequency seeker.

The new Akash 1S variant is a brilliant, reliable, advanced and a very accurate missile with a successful and high interception rate compared to other SAM systems. The missile can easily intercept jets, drones, helicopters, missiles, loiter drones, cruise missiles, subsonic missiles and ballistic missiles which gives it a comprehensive air defence system against any flying threat. The only issue is that the range is short and while we are developing a longer range missile we need to urgently finish developing it and start manufacturing it.

There is a high demand for cheap, effective and reliable SAM but most countries can’t afford to buy a western SAM unit and they avoid buying it from Russia which faces sanctions, long delays and supply chain issues which makes it complicated and unreliable to buy from. With China there is a problem with its technology and capabilities and that its weapon’s performance doesn’t match what they claim it can do. So India is in an ideal position to provide an affordable and reliable alternative without the headache and problems from buying a SAM from the west, Russia or China.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

Way to go, happy to know Indian missile defence system has impressed potential customers.

 

[Rational Guy]

While export is good it is imperative our weapons match or exceed stated specifications to build good reputation.

 

[rajan]

The effectiveness of the weapon system is the most important. Stop worrying about how indigenous it is. Look at the Tejas, 40 years and almost nothing.

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