SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Retired Brigadier General Yücel Karauz, Türkiye’s former Military Attaché in Azerbaijan, commented on Armenia’s recent acquisition of the Indian-made Akash air defense system, highlighting its implications during a critical juncture in regional peace negotiations. While acknowledging the defensive nature of the Akash system, Karauz emphasized that its deployment sends a problematic signal amid sensitive talks aimed at stabilizing the South Caucasus region.
The Akash air defense system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is designed to protect a nation’s airspace by intercepting aerial threats. As Karauz noted, “The AKASH System is, of course, a defence system. Air defence is aimed at protecting the airspace. After all, it is not an offensive weapon system.” With a coverage area of up to 2,000 square kilometers, the system provides Armenia with a significant boost to its air defense capabilities, enabling it to counter potential attacks on its territory.
The Akash system is equipped to detect, track, and destroy a range of aerial targets, including fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and armed drones (SIHAs). Karauz elaborated, “It provides the ability to test and destroy police units, aircraft, UAVs, and SIHAs that will come from other countries.” This capability strengthens Armenia’s defensive posture, ensuring greater protection against external threats. “It reinforces and strengthens the military balance not in an offensive sense but in a defensive sense, in terms of defending its country,” he added.
However, Karauz’s remarks come with a note of caution. Armenia’s procurement of the Akash system, while technically defensive, could be perceived as a provocative move by neighboring countries, particularly Azerbaijan, with whom Armenia has a history of conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The timing of the acquisition is particularly sensitive, as both nations are engaged in delicate peace negotiations to resolve longstanding tensions. The introduction of such a capable air defense system might be interpreted as a signal of mistrust, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts.
Türkiye, a close ally of Azerbaijan, has been a key player in the South Caucasus, providing military support to Baku during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, including the supply of advanced drones that proved decisive in the conflict. Armenia’s bolstered air defense capabilities through the Akash system could be seen as a direct counter to such aerial assets, altering the regional military balance. This development may heighten concerns in Ankara and Baku, even if the system’s role is purely defensive.
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