Vietnam, Philippines Shows Keen Interest in Akash-NG Missile System Amidst South China Sea Tensions

The advanced capabilities of India's newly tested Akash-NG (Next Generation) missile system have garnered significant attention from countries facing potential security threats. Nations in East Asia, particularly Vietnam and the Philippines, have expressed a keen interest in acquiring this cutting-edge air defense system.

This heightened interest is likely fueled by several factors. Firstly, both Vietnam and the Philippines are grappling with regional tensions and potential aggression from neighboring countries. The Akash-NG's impressive range, speed, and accuracy make it a compelling option for bolstering their defense capabilities.

Secondly, India's successful export of the older Akash-1S variant to Armenia serves as a testament to the system's effectiveness and reliability. This track record likely instills confidence in potential buyers, assuring them of the Akash-NG's potential to enhance their national security.

Furthermore, Armenia, having already deployed the Akash-1S, might consider the Akash-NG as a natural upgrade path. Their familiarity with the previous system could streamline the transition and training processes, making the Akash-NG an attractive option for modernizing their air defense infrastructure.

The Akash-NG's appeal extends beyond its technical specifications. India's growing reputation as a defense exporter, coupled with the system's competitive pricing, further enhances its attractiveness in the global arms market.

As regional tensions persist and the demand for advanced air defense systems rises, the Akash-NG is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the defense strategies of nations seeking to safeguard their airspace and protect their national interests. Its emergence as a sought-after defense solution underscores India's growing prominence in the global defense industry.

Key Advancements in the Akash-NG​

1. Reduced Weight: The Akash-NG incorporates a new, two-pulse, solid rocket motor, replacing the older ramjet design. This change results in a significant weight reduction of 350 kilograms, bringing the total weight down from 700 kg to 350 kg. This enhanced mobility allows for faster deployment and potentially lower operational costs.
2. Enhanced Range and Speed: Designed to counter modern aerial threats, the Akash-NG boasts an impressive range of up to 50 kilometers, effectively neutralizing high-speed, agile targets like fighter jets. Additionally, its advanced detection system has a range of 80 kilometers, enabling early identification of enemy aircraft and timely launch sequences.

 

[Rick Golder]

It would bear investigating whether the reduced size could allow for some form of canisterisation of the missile or having more missiles on each truck (as opposed to the 3 missiles per truck for the Akash).

If the system could be canisterised, then that make for easier management and camouflaging of the missile systems, which, in this era of loitering munitions, could be a major plus.

Akash NG are canister stored, making it easy to store and maintain and also easily deployable. I think initially it can carry 6 middle in Akash NG systems.

 

[The Presence]

Boss, Jane's estimated a few years back that the range of the system was 50-60 km. However, going by news articles (admittedly, not the best source) of the tests of 2021 and 2024, they say the range is 80 km.

I could very Well be mistaken, but I could not find the DRDO brochure. Could you please share where you found it as well?

In any case, there has been a long-standing habit where we tend to under-state the range of a lot of weapon systems. Whether the Akash-NG is another instance of that remains to be seen.

This is the DRDO brochure :

If they are deliberately understating the range, then they will say the real range once it enters production, just like they did with the Astra Mk-1.
Until then we have no choice but to believe them.