Why Akash Missile Beats BrahMos & All Others As India’s Most Sought-After Export Weapon
Developed by DRDO, the Akash missile system has a range of 25 km and is
capable of targetting fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones, and other aerial
assets. The missile was inducted in 2014 in Indian Air Force and in 2015 in the
Indian Army.
The biggest advantage of India’s home-grown Akash missile system is that it
can work at “all places” unlike other surface-to-air missiles (SAM) that work
only in particular altitudes and climates, former DRDO scientist Ravi Gupta
asserted.
“After its induction in the Services, interest is shown in Akash missile by
many friendly countries during International Exhibitions/Def Expo/Aero India.
The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in
RFI/RFP issued by various countries,” the Ministry of Defense said in a
statement.
“Besides Akash, there is interest coming in other major platforms like
Coastal Surveillance System, Radars and Air platforms,” it added.
Media reports suggest that many friendly nations including Vietnam and
United Arab Emirates (UAE) have shown interest in buying the surface to the air
missile system.
The UAE possesses one of the most advanced air defense systems including
the Russian Pantsir-S1 system for medium-range and American PATRIOT system
batteries. It also deploys two US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense
(THAAD) systems capable of targeting intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Citing US-based Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, Al Arabiya English said
that ” the UAE possesses the most advanced missile defense assets in the Gulf
region [and it is] the only country outside the United States to deploy a THAAD
battery and the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to deploy the
Patriot PAC-3.”
What is so special about Akash Missiles?
While Vietnam could be the first overseas customer of Akash, would the UAE
be still interested in procuring the Indian missile system given that it has
far advanced weaponry in its arsenal?
The kind of versatility that
Akash offers is an advantage over other systems.
There is much more to
exporting systems than just their capabilities. “For example, the consistency
in supply lines. When India went to war in 1965, [and during] Kargil war and
others, imported defense systems that were bought at exorbitant prices created
difficulties for us, At the time of war, they all started creating problems like stopping the
supply of spare parts and ammunition.
India has been a major importer of arms which has proved to be a
disadvantage on the battlefield. Countries aren’t allowed to use imported systems against the systems of the
adversary if they are purchased from the same country.
“Look at what happened after Balakot. After India shot down Lockheed
Martin’s F-16 fighter using their vintage Mig-21, the company was up in arms as
it was a huge commercial setback for Lockheed Martin.
“It is like deliberately and voluntarily twisting our arms if we keep on
importing the defense systems. The whole point of purchasing a system is to
defend the country in the event of a war and the country should be able to use
it the way it wants.”
But What makes India different as
a defense exporter ?
India’s business ethics are well known around the world.
India has very bright future for defense exports. Besides low labor cost and
abundance of resources, another advantage is India’s diversity in terms of
climatic condition, topography, and temperatures. They cover pretty much all
conditions of battle zones in the world. The battle zone conditions in India
are far more diverse and stringent.”
Elaborating on Akash’s capabilities in comparison to other missile systems
on the export market, Kumar noted that it has been designed from scratch. “From
the very basics of missile design, the system has been developed. Not just the
missile, the entire air defense system including the command control systems,
software, logistics is indigenous.” This allows India to fine-tune it in a
cost-effective manner according to the needs of the buyer.
Unlike other surface-to-air
missiles (SAM) that work only in particular altitudes and climates, Akash’s
biggest advantage is that it can work at “all places.” Example, if Arjun tanks need
to be exported, they have been tested in the Thar desert as well as the high
altitude cold climate.
Every country that has designed such surface to air missiles systems, they
have designed it according to their requirements and the topography and
climatic conditions of their own country.
The export version of the short-range, surface-to-air Akash Missiles with
96% indigenization will be different from the system currently in service with
the Indian armed forces, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Wednesday.
Four points that favor Akash
and other export-worthy systems from India in comparison to their competitors are :
1. The systems are developed for diverse conditions that can withstand
extreme conditions anywhere in the world which makes them “most reliable and
sturdy.”
2. Since the system is fully indigenous, India has the capability to
fine-tune it to any of the buyer’s requirements in a cost-effective manner with
a high degree of effectiveness against the adversary.
3. India is generally considered as a reliable partner and a seller with a
high degree of business ethics and commitment.
4. India doesn’t try to interfere in other country’s internal affairs,
which many other countries do when they sell their defense systems. There are
so many countries who sell their system with riders. We don’t put any unethical
riders so long you aren’t attacking me, you are free to use the system as per
your needs.
These things are “very strongly” in favor of Indian defense exports.
