Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Akash Missile Gains Combat Credibility and Global Export Momentum
Akash is a missile system India made to protect important places and military forces from attacks in the air.
It can target threats such as drones, aircraft, and cruise missiles.
The system was reportedly used during Operation Sindoor against drones and missiles from Pakistan.
Defence officials described its performance as highly effective.
The current version can cover about 25 to 45 kilometers.
A newer version, called Akash-NG, is expected to cover up to 70 to 80 kilometers.
Most of the system is made in India, which gives the country more control over repairs and supplies.
It is also considered much cheaper than some imported systems.
Other countries are showing interest in buying or developing Akash.
Akash is an indigenous, mobile medium-range air-defence system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
The system was reportedly used against drone swarms and missile threats during Operation Sindoor.
The existing Akash system has a range of roughly 25–45 km, while Akash-NG is expected to reach 70–80 km.
More than 96% of Akash’s content is indigenous, reducing reliance on imported systems and foreign supply chains.
Armenia has ordered 15 Akash-1S systems, while India is also discussing projects with Brazil and the Philippines.
- Who
- India, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, and potential foreign customers.
- What
- India’s Akash air-defence system is gaining domestic combat validation and international export interest.
- When
- The system’s reported combat use occurred during Operation Sindoor; Armenia began receiving deliveries in 2024, with a Philippines deal expected in 2026.
- Where
- Akash is deployed in India and is being marketed to countries including Armenia, Brazil, the Philippines, Egypt, and Vietnam.
- Why
- Its reported battlefield performance, lower cost, high indigenous content, and flexibility for local production and upgrades are driving interest.
- Developer
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
- Producers
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
- Indigenous content
- More than 96%
- Current range
- Approximately 25–45 km
- Expected Akash-NG range
- Approximately 70–80 km
- Armenia order
- 15 Akash-1S systems in a deal worth about US$720 million
- Reported cost advantage
- Analysts and defence veterans cited a cost of roughly one-tenth that of Patriot systems