Tech Desk: Armenia has delivered glowing reports on India’s Akash-1S surface-to-air missile (SAM) system following extensive field exercises, marking a significant international endorsement for the advanced defence platform. Operators lauded its exceptional mobility and sophisticated radar network, which can track up to 60 hostile targets and engage 16 simultaneously, redefining operational effectiveness in diverse environments.

This positive feedback from the Akash-1S’s inaugural international buyer underscores its “shoot-and-scoot” capability, crucial for protecting moving ground forces and critical infrastructure. Unlike static installations, the entire battery—including launchers, radars, and command centres—moves seamlessly, allowing for rapid deployment and redeployment across varied terrains, including the challenging Lusian sector.

Developed by DRDO and manufactured by BDL and BEL, the updated ‘1S’ variant boasts an indigenous active seeker for superior precision against fast, manoeuvring threats within its 25km range and 18km altitude ceiling. Its fully integrated digital network automates target processing and engagements, minimizing human delay.

Armenian crews underwent rigorous training in India, ensuring proficiency in radar upkeep, missile reloading, and swift relocation under high-stress scenarios. Their real-world usage provides invaluable operational data for India’s defence industry, refining future Akash iterations for global export.

For New Delhi, Armenia’s successful integration is a monumental step in its ambition to become a major global defence exporter. This growing partnership, which includes other Indian military hardware, significantly bolsters Armenia’s protective capabilities against modern aerial threats like combat aircraft, helicopters, and drones.