India is set to deliver the second batch of its advanced Akash-1S surface-to-air missile systems to Armenia in July 2025, marking a significant milestone in the growing defense partnership between the two countries. This delivery follows the successful handover of the first battery in November 2024 and is part of a $720 million (₹6,000 crore) arms deal signed in 2022.
The agreement, signed in 2022, covers the supply of 15 Akash-1S missile systems to Armenia over four to five years. Armenia is the first foreign nation to acquire this system, highlighting India’s emergence as a global defense exporter. The first battery, comprising four launchers and a Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array radar, was delivered in November 2024. The second battery is scheduled for shipment in July 2025, maintaining the timeline agreed upon by both nations.
The Akash-1S is an upgraded variant of India’s indigenous Akash missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
The system can engage aerial targets up to 30 km away and at altitudes up to 18 km. Each battery can track up to 64 targets and engage 12 simultaneously, providing robust protection for critical infrastructure. Equipped with a passive 3D electronic scanning radar and an indigenous seeker, the Akash-1S offers improved accuracy and resilience against electronic warfare. Each battery includes four launchers, each carrying three missiles, for a total of 12 missiles per battery. The system is designed to counter a range of aerial threats, including fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles.
The Akash-1S systems will bolster Armenia’s air defense capabilities, providing a modern shield against potential aerial threats in a region marked by ongoing security challenges. This deal underscores India’s growing status as a reliable defense partner and global arms supplier, with the Akash-1S joining the ranks of other exported systems like the BrahMos missile. The agreement reflects the deepening strategic relationship between India and Armenia, with India offering not only advanced weaponry but also training and technical support.
While the Akash-1S is a significant upgrade, analysts note that its primary strength is against conventional aerial threats such as manned aircraft and cruise missiles. Modern battlefield environments, dominated by UAVs and electronic warfare, may present challenges for legacy systems like Akash-1S, though its indigenous seeker and ECCM features offer some mitigation.
