India’s indigenous Akash air defence system has expanded its international footprint, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirming exports to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Armenia was the first foreign customer for the system and has acquired multiple batteries. The latest exports mark Akash’s entry into Central Asia and add to India’s growing portfolio of indigenous defence products sold abroad.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Akash is a short-range surface-to-air missile system designed to protect vulnerable areas and strategic points from aerial attacks. The system can simultaneously engage multiple targets and is deployed on mobile platforms. It is operational with both the Indian Air Force and Indian Army.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Akash system has an operational range of around 4.5 km to 25 km and can engage aerial targets at altitudes ranging from 100 metres to 20 km. Newer variants, including Akash Prime and Akash-NG, feature upgraded seekers, sensors and other improvements.
Singh described Akash as one of India’s defence export success stories, saying its production has stabilised and that the Indian armed forces have placed additional orders. He also indicated that further international demand could emerge as India expands its defence manufacturing capabilities.
The exports to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan add to India’s efforts to expand its presence in global defence markets and demonstrate the growing international reach of its domestically developed missile systems. India’s defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26, according to recent reporting.
