Armenia has strengthened its air defenses by procuring a substantial number of Akash 1S missile systems from India, according to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The deal reportedly includes approximately 15 launcher units and 400 of the advanced Akash-1S missiles. This move signifies a major step in Armenia's efforts to modernize its military and highlights India's growing role as a defence exporter.
The Akash 1S is a modernized version of India's domestically developed Akash air defence system. Created by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the Akash 1S features a locally-made seeker, a crucial component that significantly improves the missile's accuracy in intercepting airborne threats.
The DRDO conducted rigorous testing, including five successful live firings against multiple targets, demonstrating the system's reliability and precision.
A key feature of the Akash 1S is its sophisticated guidance system. It uses a combination of command guidance during the initial flight phase and active seeker guidance in the final moments before impact. This two-pronged approach greatly increases the likelihood of successfully destroying a target with a single missile.
The system is effective against various threats, including fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and cruise missiles. The Akash 1S has an operational range of 18 to 30 kilometers and can be launched from both tracked and wheeled vehicles, making it adaptable to different terrains and operational scenarios.
Reports indicate the agreement between India and Armenia, finalized in 2022, is worth an estimated $720 million (around ₹6,000 crore). The delivery process began in late 2024, with the first battery of Akash systems dispatched to Armenia in November 2024.
The complete deployment is projected to take several years. This sale not only reinforces the relationship between India and Armenia but also establishes India as a dependable source of affordable and effective defence technology.
The acquisition of the Akash system has significant implications for the security balance in the South Caucasus region. The system's ability to neutralize aerial threats, including fighter jets and drones, within a 30-kilometer radius provides Armenia with a stronger defensive posture.
The importance of drone warfare was highlighted in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, where Azerbaijan utilized Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones extensively. The advanced capabilities of the Akash 1S make it a potent counter to such threats.
The Akash-1S, with its sophisticated seeker and guidance technology, is designed to counter such threats, potentially influencing future military strategies in the area.
This arms deal also highlights a shift in Armenia's defence procurement strategy. Historically, Armenia has heavily relied on Russia for its military equipment. SIPRI data shows that Russia supplied over 90% of Armenia's arms imports between 2011 and 2020.
By choosing to purchase the Akash system from India, Armenia is diversifying its sources of military hardware, reducing its dependence on a single supplier, and gaining access to advanced technology suited to its specific defence requirements.
