SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant development underscoring the growing defence ties between India and Armenia, recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) confirms that Armenia has procured nearly 15 units of the Akash Air Defence Missile launchers from India, along with 400 units of the advanced Akash 1S missile system. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Armenia’s efforts to modernize its air defence capabilities and highlights India’s emergence as a key player in the global defence export market.
The Akash 1S missile system, an upgraded variant of the Akash air defence system, represents a triumph of indigenous innovation for India. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the Akash 1S comes equipped with an indigenous seeker, enhancing its precision and effectiveness in engaging aerial threats. The system was rigorously tested, with the DRDO conducting successful trials where the Akash 1S was fired five times against multiple targets, achieving its objectives with remarkable accuracy.
What sets the Akash 1S apart is its dual-guidance capability, combining command guidance for mid-course corrections and active terminal seeker guidance for the final phase of engagement. This hybrid approach significantly improves the single-shot kill probability, making it a formidable weapon against a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles. With a strike range of 18 to 30 kilometers and the ability to operate from both tracked and wheeled platforms, the Akash 1S offers exceptional mobility and flexibility, catering to diverse operational needs.
The deal, reportedly valued at around $720 million (approximately ?6,000 crore), was formalized in 2022, with deliveries commencing in late 2024. The first Akash battery was flagged off for Armenia in November 2024, signaling the beginning of a phased deployment expected to be completed over the next few years. This export not only strengthens bilateral ties between India and Armenia but also positions India as a reliable defence partner for nations seeking cost-effective and proven solutions.
Armenia’s acquisition of the Akash system carries broader implications for regional security dynamics in the South Caucasus. The system’s ability to neutralize fighter jets, drones, and other aerial threats at ranges of up to 30 kilometers provides Armenia with a credible deterrent against potential aggressors. In recent conflicts, drones have played a decisive role, as seen in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, where Azerbaijan extensively used Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones. The Akash 1S, with its advanced seeker and guidance systems, is well-suited to counter such threats, potentially altering the tactical calculus in the region.
Moreover, this deal underscores India’s strategic outreach to Armenia, a country traditionally reliant on Russia for its arms supplies. Between 2011 and 2020, Russia accounted for over 90% of Armenia’s arms imports, according to SIPRI data. However, Armenia’s decision to diversify its defence procurement by partnering with India reflects a pragmatic approach to reducing dependency on a single supplier while accessing cutting-edge technology tailored to its needs.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.