Introducing Akash Anti-Air System to Armenia
India is gearing up to extend its arm of defense collaboration by exporting the indigenous Akash anti-air system to Armenia. This move marks a significant addition to India’s growing list of exports to Armenia, which already includes multi-barrel rocket launchers, artillery guns, ammunition, and drones. The imminent delivery is part of a substantial Rs 6,000-crore deal with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), signifying a robust step in the international defense trade.
1. The Akash System: A Homegrown Marvel
The Akash anti-air system, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is a flagship creation of India’s defense capabilities. Having proven its mettle in the Indian Armed Forces, it is now set to fortify Armenia’s defense infrastructure. The system boasts advanced features, including a reduced footprint, 360° engagement capability, and state-of-the-art seekers.
2. Expanding Reach to Southeast Asia
India’s defense exports are not confined to Armenia alone. Besides the ongoing collaboration with the Philippines, the Akash system is also on the table for Vietnam. This expansion underscores India’s commitment to fostering stronger defense ties with nations in Southeast Asia.
3. Key Deal with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
The impending deliveries are part of an extensive deal with Bharat Dynamics Limited, a key player in India’s defense manufacturing landscape. With an estimated value of Rs 6,000 crores, this deal is indicative of the substantial economic and strategic cooperation between India and Armenia in the defense sector.
4. Indigenous Prowess and Private Industry Contribution
The Akash system proudly showcases India’s indigenous capabilities, with an impressive 82% indigenous content. Additionally, it highlights a noteworthy trend in defense production – a collaborative effort involving the private industry, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Sixty percent of the project cost is channeled to the private sector, ensuring a robust and diverse supply chain for the Akash system.
5. Advanced Features of the Improved Akash System
The upgraded version of the Akash system incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance its effectiveness. The reduced footprint allows for more flexible deployment, while the 360° engagement capability ensures comprehensive coverage against aerial threats. The advanced seekers further elevate its precision and accuracy, making it a formidable asset in modern warfare.
The Akash emerges as the guardian in India’s defense arsenal, a short-range surface-to-air missile system meticulously crafted to shield vulnerable areas from the threat of air attacks. With a remarkable reach, it locks onto aircraft up to 45 km (28 mi) away, standing as a formidable shield against a spectrum of aerial adversaries, including fighter jets, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. In the realm of defense, the Akash is not just a weapon; it’s a sentinel, standing vigilant to safeguard the skies and ensure the safety of the nation.
6. November 2022 Deal with Kalyani Strategic Systems
In a parallel development, Kalyani Strategic Systems, a prominent player in the Indian defense industry, secured a significant deal worth $155 million in November last year. Although the customer’s identity remains undisclosed, the deal involves the export of artillery guns. This underlines India’s commitment to expanding its defense export portfolio on the global stage.
Conclusion: Strengthening International Defense Ties
As India prepares to dispatch the Akash anti-air system to Armenia, it signifies a strategic leap in fortifying international defense ties. The collaboration not only adds a powerful asset to Armenia’s defense capabilities but also reinforces India’s position as a reliable partner in global security. The emphasis on indigenous innovation, private sector involvement, and cutting-edge technology showcases India’s commitment to fostering self-reliance and contributing to the global defense ecosystem.
As the world witnesses the evolving dynamics of international relations, this move by India contributes to a narrative of collaboration, shared security interests, and the pursuit of peace through advanced defense capabilities.