NEWS – India has recently offered its indigenously developed Akash Air Defence Missile System to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighting India’s growing defence export capabilities.

HIGHLIGHTS

About Akash Missile System

• Type: Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM).
• Purpose: Protects vulnerable areas and points from enemy aerial threats.
• Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Manufacturer: Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), Hyderabad.
• Induction:
  • Indian Air Force – 2014
  • Indian Army – 2015
• Export Milestone: Armenia was the first foreign buyer in 2022.

Key Technical Features

•  Dimensions:
  • Length: 5.8 meters
  • Diameter: 350 mm
  • Wingspan: 1,105 mm
• Range: 4.5 km to 25 km
• Altitude Coverage: 100 meters to 20 km
• Guidance: Command Guidance system
• Target Types: Capable of engaging fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, etc.

Operational Capabilities

• Can simultaneously engage multiple targets in both Group Mode and Autonomous Mode.
• Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) integrated to counter jamming.
• High immunity against electronic warfare threats.
• Configured entirely on mobile platforms for rapid deployment.
• Open system architecture allows integration with both current and future air defence systems.

Rajendra Radar System – The Core Component

• Equipped with Rajendra 3D passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar.
• Radar Capabilities:
  • Tracks and guides missiles.
  • Provides real-time data on range, azimuth, and altitude of enemy aircraft.
  • High-power, multifunctional operation.

Strategic Significance

• Demonstrates India’s technological self-reliance in defence.
• Enhances India’s role as a defence exporter in line with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
• Strengthens diplomatic and strategic ties with countries like UAE and Armenia.