Armenia is preparing to become the first foreign customer to acquire India’s next-generation Akash-NG surface-to-air missile system once it enters production. This move builds on the already strong defence partnership between the two countries.
The South Caucasus nation has shown keen interest in the advanced air defence system after successfully procuring the earlier Akash-1S variant. This step marks an important milestone in Armenia’s military modernization efforts and highlights India’s expanding presence in the global defence export market.
Armenia has emerged as a key client for Indian defence products. In 2022, it signed a significant $720 million deal to purchase 15 Akash-1S air defence missile systems. The first battery was delivered successfully in November 2024, and the second is expected after July 2025. This deal made Armenia the first foreign buyer of India’s indigenously developed Akash missiles — a major achievement in India’s defence export strategy. Beyond the Akash systems, Armenia has also acquired other Indian military equipment, including the Pinaka multi-launch rocket systems and 155mm artillery guns. This makes Armenia one of India’s top three defence export markets alongside the US and France. The initial Akash-1S battery has performed well during evaluations. Its indigenous seeker technology allows it to effectively detect and intercept various aerial threats, which has strengthened Armenia’s confidence in Indian defence technology. As a result, Armenia is now in talks to acquire the more advanced Akash-NG system once it becomes available. This procurement strategy also helps Armenia diversify its defence suppliers, reducing its previous heavy reliance on Russian arms that accounted for over 90% of imports between 2011 and 2020. The Akash-NG (Next Generation) missile system is a major technological upgrade over previous Indian surface-to-air missile systems. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this medium-range mobile system features numerous advanced technologies that improve its effectiveness against modern aerial threats. One of the biggest improvements is its extended range of 70 to 80 kilometers, nearly tripling the coverage area of the earlier Akash-1S’s 25 to 30 kilometers. This larger range allows for greater flexibility in deployment and stronger air defence coverage. The system can engage targets from very low altitudes of 30 meters up to 14 kilometers high. The missile itself uses a dual-pulse solid rocket motor in its second stage, making it lighter than earlier variants that used an air-breathing ramjet engine. This lighter design, combined with canister launchers, reduces the system’s ground footprint and enhances its mobility. The Akash-NG also boasts rapid reaction times — it can fire within 10 seconds of detecting a target and launch three missiles in just 20 seconds. A key feature of the Akash-NG is its active electronically scanned array (AESA) Multi-Function Radar. This radar offers greater accuracy and is better equipped to counter next-generation threats such as stealth aircraft and high-speed missiles. The missile itself uses a Ku-band active radar seeker for terminal guidance, which improves precision and makes it more resistant to electronic jamming. The Akash-NG can track and engage multiple targets simultaneously, withstand saturation attacks, and maintain operational effectiveness in dense electronic warfare environments. It can be deployed and ready to fire in less than 20 minutes, enabling quick responses to emerging threats. Armenia’s interest in the Akash-NG system is driven by urgent strategic needs, especially after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan. During that conflict, Azerbaijan effectively used Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones, exposing Armenia’s air defence weaknesses. As a result, modernising air defence capabilities has become a top priority for Armenian military planners. While the Akash-1S provides effective deterrence at shorter ranges, the Akash-NG’s extended range and advanced features would greatly strengthen Armenia’s layered air defence, offering better protection against both manned and unmanned aerial threats. This upgrade could alter the regional military balance. Furthermore, by acquiring the Akash-NG, Armenia continues its strategy to diversify defence suppliers, reducing dependence on Russia and expanding its geopolitical partnerships. This approach helps Armenia counterbalance the growing Turkey-Azerbaijan-Pakistan alliance in the region, providing both military and diplomatic advantages. The Akash-NG is in the final stages of development and testing, with production expected to start in 2026. However, there could be delays of 2 to 3 years due to ongoing user trials. The system was successfully tested by DRDO in 2021, showcasing its improved agility and ability to engage fast-moving aerial threats. Development funding of approximately $80 million was approved back in 2016. Before export approvals are granted, the Indian Army and Air Force must place their orders, which are still pending. Production will be handled by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), with private sector partner Electropneumatics and Hydraulics India supporting development and production. If India proceeds with exporting the Akash-NG to Armenia, it will mark a significant step in India’s emergence as a defence exporter. The Akash systems have an indigenisation rate exceeding 96%, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Other countries such as Egypt and the Philippines have also shown interest in the Akash missile systems, pointing to potential expanded exports once production begins. Armenia’s acquisition of advanced Indian air defence systems, particularly the Akash-NG, could reshape the military dynamics of the South Caucasus. Though surface-to-air missile systems are defensive, the upgrade represents a significant boost to Armenia’s military capabilities, which may concern Azerbaijan. Critics in Azerbaijan argue that Armenia’s military modernization could complicate peace negotiations following the 2020 conflict. Turkey’s former Military Attaché in Azerbaijan, Retired Brigadier General Yücel Karauz, noted that while these systems are defensive, their procurement sends complex signals during sensitive peace talks. India’s deepening defence partnership with Armenia introduces new geopolitical factors in a region traditionally dominated by Russian influence. This reflects India’s willingness to export complete weapon systems to countries in complex security environments, moving beyond previous hesitations about exporting lethal arms. For Armenia, this partnership offers military benefits, diplomatic leverage, and reduces dependence on traditional allies.Strengthening Defence Ties Between Armenia and India
Akash-NG: Next-Level Technology and Capabilities
Advanced Radar and Targeting Systems
Why Armenia Wants the Akash-NG
Production and Export Outlook
Regional and Geopolitical Implications
