India made a new missile system called the ‘Akash Missile System,’ and it works like Israel’s ‘Iron Dome.’ In a recent practice called Astrashakti 2023, the system showed it can shoot and destroy four flying targets with just one unit. India is the first country to do this.
India has a big goal called Atmanirbhar defense, which means making their own defense stuff. They’ve been working hard on it, and they did even better than expected. Now, India wants to sell its defense things to other countries. One good example is the Akash air defense missile system.
What is the Akash air defence missile system?
The Akash air defense missile system is a short-range missile system made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in India. It’s designed to protect important areas from air attacks and is currently in use by the Indian Army and Air Force. The system can engage multiple targets at the same time and has features to counter electronic systems that try to deceive detection.
The entire weapon system is mobile and includes a launcher, missiles, a control center, a mission guidance system, and C4I centers. It is 96% made in India. There are two advanced versions called Akash-NG and Akash Prime, both with a range of 27-30 km and a flight altitude of 18 km. Akash Prime has improved accuracy and performs better in low-temperature environments at high altitudes.
The Akash-NG reduces reliance on old Russian defense systems and was designed for the Indian Air Force to intercept challenging aerial threats with low radar visibility. In March, the Army procured two additional regiments of the air defense system for Rs 8,160 crore.
During Exercise Astrashakti 2023, India showcased the firepower of the Akash system. A single firing unit successfully engaged and destroyed four unmanned targets simultaneously, making India the first country to demonstrate this capability at such ranges using a single firing unit with command guidance.
Where is India exporting the system to?
In December 2020, the government approved selling the Akash missile to other countries because many nations liked it at international exhibitions. The first country getting these anti-air systems is Armenia. Bharat Dynamics Limited, a company in Hyderabad that makes ammunition and missiles for the defense ministry, will produce them. The deal is worth about Rs 6,000 crore, and deliveries are expected to start soon, according to The Economic Times.
Other countries like the Philippines, Brazil, Egypt, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are also interested in buying these weapons. DRDO scientists keep making improvements to the system.
There might be more countries from Southeast Asia and West Asia ordering it. In April, the defense ministry mentioned they got an order for the anti-air system, but they didn’t say which country bought it.
Why are countries interested in the Akash weapon system?
Former DRDO scientist Ravi Kumar Gupta mentioned to Eurasian Times that the Akash Missile System has a unique advantage compared to other systems. Unlike many surface-to-air missiles that are limited to specific altitudes and climates, the Akash system stands out because it can operate in all kinds of places.
Gupta highlighted that the Akash system is designed to handle diverse conditions and can withstand extreme situations anywhere in the world. This quality makes it exceptionally reliable and sturdy.
Since the system is entirely made in India, Gupta explained that it can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of buyers in a cost-effective way while maintaining a high level of effectiveness against potential threats.
How big is India’s defence exports industry?
India’s defense exports reached a record high, hitting nearly Rs 16,000 crore in FY 2022-23, as stated by the defense ministry. They claim there has been a 23-fold increase, and now Indian design and development capabilities are reaching over 85 countries.
Looking ahead, India has set an ambitious target of Rs 35,000 crore for defense exports by 2024-25. The defense industry is actively contributing to this growth by selling major defense systems such as BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Akash air defense systems, artillery guns, Pinaka, Dornier-228, thermal imagers, radars, simulators, body armors, mine-protected vehicles, and more. There is also increasing interest in Light Combat Helicopters, aircraft carriers, and the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.
Positive Takeaway
The Akash Missile System emerges as a beacon of India’s self-reliance and technological prowess in defense. The successful export contracts and global interest signify a new chapter in India’s defense narrative. With a thriving defense export industry, India is not just securing its own borders but also contributing significantly to global security. The journey of the Akash Missile System is not just a success story; it’s a testament to India’s rise as a key player in the international defense arena.
