India exports Akash missile systems to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan

India has exported its Akash surface-to-air missile system to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, marking the first major expansion of Indian defense exports into Central Asia. The announcement was made by Samir Kamat, the former president of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The Akash is a medium-range air defense system designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. The missiles are manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, while the DRDO developed the associated radar and command-and-control systems.

While specific details regarding the number of systems, contract values, or specific configurations have not been disclosed by the involved governments, the move follows reports from August suggesting these nations were negotiating for the Akash Mk 1S variant. Armenia remains the only other confirmed foreign buyer of the system, with deliveries of the Mk 1S variant having begun in late 2024. The Mk 1S features an Indian-developed active radio-frequency seeker for improved terminal guidance precision against maneuvering targets.