India to export air defence system to Armenia

India will export an indigenous anti-air system to Armenia, adding to a growing list of exports to the Asian country that incudes multi-barrel rocket launchers, artillery guns and a range of ammunition and drones.

Sources said that deliveries of the Akash anti-air systems that are manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is likely to start soon, as part of an estimated ₹6,000-cr deal. The indigenous system is already in service with the Indian Armed forces and is also on offer for export to Vietnam and the Philippines.

In April, the defence ministry had mentioned an undisclosed export order for the anti-air system, without giving details of the receiving nation. In March, the Army had procured two additional regiments of the air defence system in a deal valued at ₹8,160 cr.


Designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation, the improved version of the system has a reduced footprint, 360° Engagement Capability and advanced seekers. The system has an indigenous content of 82% and 60% of the project cost is awarded to the private industry, including MSMEs, to maintain a supply chain for the system.

In November last year, Kalyani Strategic Systems had announced a $155 m deal with an undisclosed overseas customer for artillery guns. This order too was for Armenia.