India delivers Armenia first "Akash" anti-aircraft missile system amid strengthened defense ties.

With the first battery of its "Akash" anti-aircraft missile system delivered to Armenia, India marks a major turning point in its defense export sector. The defense manufacturer Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which makes the Akash systems, verified the delivery on social networking platform X according to the New Indian Express. "Today, Bharat Electronics Limited made a major step in India's defense export sector as Defense Production Secretary Sanjiv Kumar cleared the first Akash system battery to a friendly foreign country," the company said.

Signing a $710 million contract with India in 2022 for 15 of these systems, Armenia became the first nation to buy the Akash missile system. Given increased regional security issues, Armenia's procurement is considered as a component of its more general attempts to modernize its air defenses.

The Akash Missile System's capabilities
Developed by India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Akash is a surface-to-- air missile system meant to intercept a broad spectrum of aerial dangers including fighter planes, cruise missiles, drones, and other aircraft. With its 25-kilometer maximum range and advanced tracking and targeting features, the system is Along with four launchers holding three missiles apiece, every battery boasts a 3D electronic scanning radar.

A major part of India's expanding defense industrial capacity, the Akash system's sale fits New Delhi's aim to deepen its defense links overseas, especially in strategically sensitive areas.

The Greater Defense Partnership Armenia Has With India
Apart from the Akash missile systems, Armenia has showed interest in several Indian defense products. Another big Indian defense producer, Bharat Forge, announced that the Armenian military is intended for their new MArG 155mm self-propelled howzers, which are meant for great mobility and accuracy in mountainous terrain.

The arms agreements indicate growing defense relations between India and Armenia, therefore changing the regional dynamics. India's approach comes at a period when Armenia is looking for trustworthy allies to strengthen its defense among South Caucasus tensions, especially in light of recent clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh area.

Expanding Defense Export Market of India
As India wants to become a major worldwide arms provider, its defense export industry has expanded significantly recently. After other significant exports to nations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, the Akash missile contract with Armenia highlights this aim. This is seen by defense experts as part of India's approach to increase geopolitical impact and promote self-reliance in defense manufacturing.