India will deliver a second batch of the Akash-1S medium-range air defence system to Armenia, following the shipment of the first batch in November 2024.

According to Indian Aerospace Defence News, a second batch of Akash-1S medium-range air defence systems will be delivered in July 2025. The first shipment left the port in November 2024. The total order of Armenia for Akash-1S consists of 15 units, valued at $700 million.

While India is selling Akash-1S to Armenia, it is also introducing the newer Akash-NG system with improved propulsion and guidance.

This is not the only significant land-based weapon delivery from India to Armenia. Armenia has also acquired the Pinaka 220 mm MLRS, which has arguably lower performance compared to its competitors but can be classified as a pivotal fire support asset.

Following the end of the conflict with Azerbaijan, Armenia’s armament trend has shifted from Russia to France and India. Both countries have displayed sentiments against Turkiye and Azerbaijan in recent years, with India taking a larger portion in Armenia’s new acquisitions.

The brief conflict between Pakistan and India, in which some Indian figures have made statements against Turkiye due to Pakistan’s alleged use of Turkish weaponry alongside Chinese ones, might lead to India arming Armenia to a further degree.

Akash-1S and Akash-NG

Akash-1S is a guidance upgrade over the baseline Akash, combining command guidance and an active radar seeker. Powered by a solid fuel ramjet engine, the missile is stated to have a range of 30 km. Despite the missile’s size, the solid fuel ramjet’s weight and lack of optimisations result in a relatively short range.

Akash-NG addresses Akash-1S’s problems by replacing the ramjet with a dual-pulse rocket motor, which is lighter and still provides kinetic energy at the terminal phase. This resulted in a range of 70+ km, which is significantly longer.

Author: Kaan Azman

Editor: Özgür Ekşi