In a groundbreaking milestone for India’s defence sector, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has officially flagged off the first Akash Weapon System Battery for export to Armenia. This significant achievement was marked by a special ceremony attended by Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Secretary of Defence Production, who highlighted the pivotal role this export plays in elevating India's global defence profile.
The Akash Weapon System, a premier short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) platform developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is designed to protect strategic assets from a variety of airborne threats. Originally manufactured by BEL and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), this sophisticated system is already a mainstay of India’s air defence. It boasts an impressive engagement range of up to 30 kilometers and a ceiling altitude of 18,000 meters, with the capability to neutralize multiple threats such as fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
For the Armenian armed forces, which have been actively bolstering their defence capabilities amid tensions with Azerbaijan, the Akash system's deployment is timely and strategic. It is anticipated to serve as a robust line of defense against the aerial assets and drone fleets of adversaries, which have played a key role in the region’s ongoing conflicts.
What sets the exported variant apart is the comprehensive suite of advanced command and radar technologies integrated by BEL. These include the following:
Enhanced C4I Systems: The Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) suite facilitates real-time information processing and enables seamless communication between different elements of the weapon system. This ensures rapid threat assessment and coordinated missile launches, even in complex and high-stakes combat situations.
Upgraded Surveillance Radars: BEL's latest generation of surveillance radars offer panoramic situational awareness, enabling swift identification and tracking of enemy aircraft and unmanned threats. These radars are optimized to function effectively across various terrains and in all weather conditions.
Precision Missile Guidance Radars: To maintain pinpoint accuracy, BEL’s guidance radars ensure continuous target lock for the missiles, even when engaging high-speed and maneuverable threats. This advanced guidance capability is crucial for the system's high probability of kill.
India’s successful export to Armenia is a testament to the efficacy of government initiatives like “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” which have not only increased self-reliance in defence production but also significantly boosted defence exports. According to reports, India’s exports in this sector have seen a substantial uptick, and Armenia has emerged as a significant partner, having previously acquired other strategic systems from India, such as the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers and Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles.
Armenia’s defence budget has witnessed a sharp increase, reflecting its commitment to modernizing its arsenal. As a part of its diversification away from traditional suppliers like Russia—whose commitments have suffered due to the war in Ukraine—Armenia has turned to India for more comprehensive support. Besides missile systems, there is interest in other advanced platforms, including anti-drone measures and cruise missile technology.
The Akash export not only fortifies India-Armenia defence ties but also demonstrates India’s growing reliability as a defence supplier. This development may pave the way for further arms sales to global partners, emphasizing India’s emerging role as a strategic player in the international arms market
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