How India's Akash Missile System Holds an Edge Over Chinese Sky Dragon-50 for Brazilian Air Defence Upgrade Contract

As Brazil seeks to strengthen its air defence capabilities, the competition between India's Akash and China's Sky Dragon-50 missile systems has intensified. Both systems offer advanced technology and formidable defence capabilities, but several factors tip the scales in favor of India's Akash for the Brazilian contract.

Firstly, Akash's proven operational history with the Indian armed forces sets it apart. While the Sky Dragon-50 boasts impressive specifications, it lacks the extensive real-world deployment and testing that Akash has undergone in diverse terrains and conditions. This proven track record provides Brazil with a higher degree of confidence in Akash's reliability and performance.

Secondly, Akash's mobility and deployment versatility give it an advantage in Brazil's varied landscape. The system's ability to be mounted on both wheeled and tracked vehicles ensures it can navigate challenging terrains effectively. Brazil's vast and diverse geography demands an air defence system that can be rapidly deployed and maneuvered in different environments.

Thirdly, the prospect of a government-to-government agreement between Brazil and India for Akash simplifies the procurement process and potentially fosters closer defence ties between the two nations. Brazil's Army Commander, General Tomás Miguel Paiva, has expressed a clear interest in pursuing this route.

Finally, while the Sky Dragon-50 boasts superior radar range, Akash's radar system is highly adept at handling multiple targets with pinpoint accuracy. In a dynamic battlefield scenario, the ability to engage multiple threats simultaneously with a high probability of kill is crucial.

While China's Sky Dragon-50 is undoubtedly a strong contender, India's Akash missile system holds a distinct edge due to its proven operational history, deployment flexibility, potential for government-to-government collaboration, and impressive multi-target engagement capabilities. These factors make it a compelling choice for Brazil as it seeks to bolster its air defence strategy.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Any deal with brazil will only happen if we buy C-390. I believe that we should do it. If we go for A400 or C130J, western european countries or america still wont buy anything from us. C390 is a capable plane which already has multiple export customers.

 

[Pramkumar]

No idea we can succeed we need to prove in actual battle field with LaC and LoC

 

[Sudha]

No idea we can succeed we need to prove in actual battle field with LaC and LoC

Think even the chinese ones aren't proven in actual battle field. Only plus for chinese to clinch the order is, they bribe.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Barter missile tech with civilian and military planes with Brazil. Create an institute like IISc let it do high end R&D on electronics, metallurgy and aero engine tech.

 

[Avada kedavra]

This could go the argentina way.
The americans will swoop in at the last moment and offer second hand himars atacms or maybe even patriot as well and india will lose again.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to try and do whatever they can to clinch this deal. We have a good, reliable, cost effective and efficient system with a high rate of intercepting any threats from jets, drones and missiles.

India now needs to develop a longer range missile and radar surveillance and tracking capability. We were also developing the Akash NG but it’s unclear at what stage the SAM defence system is at as they took a number of successful tests. We need at least a range of around 80-100km SAM which gives us several opportunities to destroy an incoming threat before it hits the target.

 

[Pramkumar]

Israeli systems are battle proven, surprise to see missing them in action.

 

[Superpower Bharat]

Israeli systems are battle proven, surprise to see missing them in action.

Costly and they are in war

 

[Amit]

China will bribe the Brazilians and get their defence systems purchased...India must be proactive too because this is a war...

 

[Akshat]

This could go the argentina way.
The americans will swoop in at the last moment and offer second hand himars atacms or maybe even patriot as well and india will lose again.

Himars and ATACMS for air defense?

 

[MF]

I noticed in the comments that many are assuming the possible existence of bribes from the Chinese so that their models are chosen by Brazil. But considering the way the Brazilian Armed Forces select their new equipment, the chances of accepting bribes are remote.
On several occasions, Chinese military companies participated in international competitions for the acquisition of military products by the Brazilian Armed Forces, and in all of them they lost. The Brazilian Armed Forces usually make detailed reports on the strengths and weaknesses of each competitor, ranking them.
In addition, they consider several other relevant factors such as cost-benefit of acquisition, operation and maintenance, as well as the level of experience of manufacturers and use of systems, in addition to construction quality and service provision.

 

[R. Singh]

We should further develop NASAMs ,PAC-III and THAAD type of air defence better seek tech collaboration with USA and Israel ! S-400 is not up to mark Israel and India should upgrade this S-400 with improved radar for better detection of incoming threats also add a laser beam battery in S-400 system !

 

[munir malik]

I am astonished how Indians compare there toy type military equipment with Chinese military hardware. China is giant in every field and at the moment Europe USA Korea and Japan till Canada and Australia are trying to counter China in trade, EVs, Batteries and other commodities. They (Chinese) are inventing new equipments on daily basis. USA and Europe seem fearing from Chinese. Now question is where is India? It may be a good dream of Indians but in reality there is no comparison of China-India.....

 

[porki ki maa ki]

@munir malik pls don't lectures us specially people like u Pakistan beggars keep begging to chinese