As temporary pauses in fighting hold across the Middle East, India has a unique window to expand its defence diplomacy in the Gulf region.
By stepping forward and offering the indigenous Akash air defence system to key partners like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for field testing and evaluation, New Delhi can fast-track its reputation as a premier global arms supplier.
This move would not only boost India's export ambitions—following recent milestones like the estimated $720 million Akash export contract with Armenia—but also provide immediate, practical support to regional allies navigating complex aerial threats.
Created by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the Akash is a highly reliable, battle-tested medium-range surface-to-air missile platform.
Open-source data highlights that the system boasts an impressive operational range of roughly 30 to 45 kilometres and can intercept targets at altitudes up to 20 kilometres while travelling at supersonic speeds up to Mach 3.5.
Powered by the advanced Rajendra phased-array radar, which can track up to 64 targets and guide multiple missiles simultaneously, the Akash is highly effective against fighter jets, helicopters, incoming missiles, and drones.
Its mobility and built-in resistance to electronic jamming make it exceptionally suited for the Gulf, where the risk of drone swarms and ballistic strikes remains a pressing concern even during ceasefires.
Loaning this equipment for field evaluation offers a clear win-win scenario.
For Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members like the UAE, it presents a risk-free chance to test the Indian-made system in local desert conditions without the pressure of an immediate, massive purchase.
It allows their militaries to see how well the Akash integrates with their existing Western-made radar and missile networks. In return, India gains priceless operational data from a high-stakes environment.
This real-world feedback is crucial for fine-tuning the system, paving the way for future upgrades, and proving the platform's reliability to other prospective international buyers.
Placing the Akash system on Gulf soil would also cement ties that go far beyond trade.
The GCC is a cornerstone of India’s energy security and a vital hub for millions of Indian expatriates.
Bilateral ties have never been stronger, with India-UAE trade recently hitting the $100 billion mark for the 2024–2025 financial year.
By stepping up as a dependable security provider during an unpredictable time, India can upgrade its relationship with these nations from a purely economic partnership to a trusted defence alliance.
This would help New Delhi break into a strategic space that has historically been dominated by heavyweights like the United States and Russia.
Furthermore, India is well-equipped to deliver on this proposition immediately.
Thanks to the success of domestic manufacturing initiatives, defence production is operating at record highs, with BDL reportedly capable of rolling out 50 to 60 Akash missiles every month.
By quickly shipping a few initial batteries for evaluation—alongside dedicated Indian technical crews and comprehensive training programs—New Delhi can demonstrate its operational readiness and make the onboarding process seamless for GCC armed forces.
The current geopolitical window may be short-lived, but its potential is massive.
By making a decisive offer now, India can transform the present regional instability into a foundation for lasting defence partnerships.
Doing so will significantly elevate the nation's defence export portfolio and reinforce India's standing as a proactive and innovative leader in global security.
Ultimately, bringing the Akash to the Gulf could spark a new era of mutually rewarding defence cooperation between India and the Arab world.
