Armenia to purchase Indian Akash air defense systems in $720 Mn deal.

As reported by Zee Business on December 18, 2023, India is making preparations to export 15 Akash air defense systems to Armenia as part of a weapons agreement valued at approximately between 50 billion rupees ($600,521,000) and 60 billion rupees ($720,625,200). The delivery and deployment of these Akash air defense systems, manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), in Armenia are anticipated to take place over the next 4-5 years.
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The Akash Weapon System (AWS) has an operational range spanning from 4.5 kilometers to 25 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes ranging from 100 meters up to 20 kilometers. (Picture source: BDL)

Armenia is presently in the process of modernizing its military, partly due to the conflict it experienced with Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. For instance, Armenia has acquired from France Bastion 4x4 APCs, three Thales Ground Master 200 radars, a Mistral short-range air defense system, and night vision goggles from Safran. Armenia's other acquisitions from India encompass MArG 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzers, Pinaka MLRS, ATAGS 155mm towed guns, anti-tank missiles, and ZADS anti-drone systems. Furthermore, there have been sightings of a Chinese WM-80 MLRS within the Armenian Armed Forces.

The Akash air defense system, developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a short-range surface-to-air missile system primarily designed to safeguard vulnerable areas and critical installations against potential aerial threats. It is currently in active service with the Indian Armed Forces, with a total of 48 systems deployed as of 2022.

One of its notable features is its capability to engage multiple targets simultaneously in either Group Mode or Autonomous Mode. The system is equipped with Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) capabilities, enabling it to counteract electronic deception systems that adversaries might employ.

The Akash missile system comprises various components, including launchers, missiles, a control center, an integrated mission guidance system, and C4I (command, control, communication, and intelligence) centers. Each missile battery is accompanied by a radar system known as Rajendra. The system is reported to be 96 percent indigenized, with an enhanced version offering a smaller footprint, 360° engagement capability, and advanced seekers.

In terms of specifications, the Akash Weapon System (AWS) has an operational range spanning from 4.5 kilometers to 25 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes ranging from 100 meters up to 20 kilometers. It is designed for swift response, from target detection to neutralization.

The Akash Weapon System is characterized by its open system architecture, which allows for adaptability to various Air Defense environments. It is also known for its resistance to active and passive jamming, ensuring its effectiveness in challenging conditions. Additionally, the system features a secure mode of communication between combat elements and is self-sufficient in terms of electrical power, thanks to its built-in power sources. Its transportability by road and rail allows for rapid mobilization and deployment, further enhancing its operational flexibility. The system incorporates built-in safety features, including an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, contributing to its overall reliability and effectiveness in air defense.