As wars continue to rage across the world, the significance of missile interceptors has come to the fore, with Ukraine and US running low on its air defence stocks.Amid this, India’s indigenous air defence system is emerging as a success story.The Akash missile system, which was first conceptualised in 1983 and cleared for use in 2007, is now in demand from multiple countries.While Armenia was its first customer, India’s Defence Secretary confirmed that Akash has been exported to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as well.Developed by DRDO, Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system which provides cutting-edge air defence due to its multi-sensor data processing ability.It can track and destroy multiple aerial threats, from fighter jets to missile drones, within a 25-kilometre radius.During Operation Sindoor last year, indigenous systems like Akash played a key role.It is also being positioned as a low-cost alternative for countries that cannot afford to buy huge stocks of air defence systems like THAAD and Patriot.In December last year, DRDO successfully completed user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash missile, which is a potent system for ensuring air defence against different types of aerial threats.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Gravitas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gravitas</a> | As wars continue to rage across the world, the significance of missile interceptors cannot be overstated. Amid this, India&#39;s Defence Secretary confirmed that the Akash missile system has been exported to Armenia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan<a href="https://x.com/MollyGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MollyGambhir</a> has more <a href="https://t.co/m7eg9cCpuS">pic.twitter.com/m7eg9cCpuS</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2106065690625221017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile remains India’s flagship export product.According to India’s Defence Secretary, BrahMos exports are set to cross 600 million US dollars, with agreements to sell this high-end strategic weapon to the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.With India scaling up domestic manufacturing of weapons, it now exports defence equipment, including artillery systems and missiles, to over 80 countries.The country’s defence exports reached over four billion US dollars in the April 2025 to March 2026 period. This was a 62 per cent jump as compared to a year ago.According to India’s Defence Ministry, the sharp rise signalled an increasing global acceptance of Indian-made defence products.India has now set an ambitious target of achieving 50,000 crore Indian rupees in defence exports by 2030.With countries like Brazil, Egypt and the Philippines also reportedly showing interest in buying the Akash missile system, it just reaffirms India’s growing stature as a defence manufacturer.

Developed by DRDO, Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system which provides cutting-edge air defence due to its multi-sensor data processing ability.

As wars continue to rage across the world, the significance of missile interceptors has come to the fore, with Ukraine and US running low on its air defence stocks. Amid this, India’s indigenous air defence system is emerging as a success story. The Akash missile system, which was first conceptualised in 1983 and cleared for use in 2007, is now in demand from multiple countries. While Armenia was its first customer, India’s Defence Secretary confirmed that Akash has been exported to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as well. Developed by DRDO, Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system which provides cutting-edge air defence due to its multi-sensor data processing ability. It can track and destroy multiple aerial threats, from fighter jets to missile drones, within a 25-kilometre radius. During Operation Sindoor last year, indigenous systems like Akash played a key role. It is also being positioned as a low-cost alternative for countries that cannot afford to buy huge stocks of air defence systems like THAAD and Patriot. In December last year, DRDO successfully completed user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash missile, which is a potent system for ensuring air defence against different types of aerial threats.

Developed by DRDO, Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system which provides cutting-edge air defence due to its multi-sensor data processing ability.

Gravitas | India exports indigenous Akash missile system to Armenia, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan

Here are top 10 interceptor missiles used in defensive roles, many featuring advanced hit-to-kill or high‑precision guidance and high speeds to stop ballistic missiles, rockets, cruise missiles and hostile aircraft

Here are top 10 interceptor missiles used in defensive roles, many featuring advanced hit-to-kill or high‑precision guidance and high speeds to stop ballistic missiles, rockets, cruise missiles and hostile aircraft

Top 10 interceptor missiles used in defensive roles

Mobile air defence platforms like Pantsir-S1, Avenger and Tunguska protect ground forces worldwide with integrated missile-gun systems. These tracked and wheeled platforms engage aircraft, helicopters and drones. Nations continuously upgrade capabilities against evolving threats.

Mobile air defence platforms like Pantsir-S1, Avenger and Tunguska protect ground forces worldwide with integrated missile-gun systems. These tracked and wheeled platforms engage aircraft, helicopters and drones. Nations continuously upgrade capabilities against evolving threats.

Top 7 mobile air defense platforms in active service

Missiles represent one of the most indigenised segments of Indian armament, with estimates placing them above 80 per cent indigenous content in current systems.

Missiles represent one of the most indigenised segments of Indian armament, with estimates placing them above 80 per cent indigenous content in current systems.

From nuclear-capable Agni to battlefield Prithvi, how India quietly built one of the world’s most diverse missile arsenals

A nation’s air-defence network is typically layered, combining long-range interceptors, mid-range batteries, short-range point defences, and radar-linked command systems.

A nation’s air-defence network is typically layered, combining long-range interceptors, mid-range batteries, short-range point defences, and radar-linked command systems.

Top 7 countries with most powerful air defence systems: Is India among them?

India has pitched its indigenous weapons systems and platforms to Brazil during key talks that were held between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with&nbsp;Brazil Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Defence Minister José Múcio Monteiro Filho in Delhi on Wednesday. A statement by the Indian side on the talks said, India and Brazil had "forward-looking discussions on issues pertaining to Defence Cooperation with a focus on expanding Military to Military Cooperation and Defence Industrial Collaboration".The talks focused on Brazil's interest in the Akash missile system, an indigenous Indian medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) defense system designed to protect vulnerable areas, points, and assets from aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and helicopters.&nbsp; Developed under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it is produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). In the past, India has exported the Akash missile system to Armenia, with the first battery delivered in November 2024.In the past few years, India, Brazil have had talks on firming up defence ties. Brazil has been interested in secure communication systems on the battlefield and offshore patrol vessels from India. The South American country is also interested in partnering with Delhi in maintaining the Scorpene submarine, coastal surveillance system, and Garuda artillery guns.&nbsp;The Indian statement on Wednesday's talks said, "the leaders reviewed the progress of ongoing defence related initiatives and identified priority areas for joint work including exploring opportunities for co-development &amp; co-production of defence equipment".The visit of the Brazilian vice president and defence minister is the 2nd high-level visit to India from Brazil in a few weeks' time. Earlier this month, the Brazilian NSA had visited for talks with his counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval. Next year, Brazilian President Lula da Silva is expected to visit India for a state visit.

In the past few years, India, Brazil have had talks on firming up defence ties. Brazil has been interested in secure communication systems on the battlefield and offshore patrol vessels from India. 

India has pitched its indigenous weapons systems and platforms to Brazil during key talks that were held between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Brazil Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Defence Minister José Múcio Monteiro Filho in Delhi on Wednesday. A statement by the Indian side on the talks said, India and Brazil had "forward-looking discussions on issues pertaining to Defence Cooperation with a focus on expanding Military to Military Cooperation and Defence Industrial Collaboration". The talks focused on Brazil's interest in the Akash missile system, an indigenous Indian medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) defense system designed to protect vulnerable areas, points, and assets from aerial threats such as fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and helicopters. Developed under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it is produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). In the past, India has exported the Akash missile system to Armenia, with the first battery delivered in November 2024. In the past few years, India, Brazil have had talks on firming up defence ties. Brazil has been interested in secure communication systems on the battlefield and offshore patrol vessels from India. The South American country is also interested in partnering with Delhi in maintaining the Scorpene submarine, coastal surveillance system, and Garuda artillery guns. The Indian statement on Wednesday's talks said, "the leaders reviewed the progress of ongoing defence related initiatives and identified priority areas for joint work including exploring opportunities for co-development & co-production of defence equipment". The visit of the Brazilian vice president and defence minister is the 2nd high-level visit to India from Brazil in a few weeks' time. Earlier this month, the Brazilian NSA had visited for talks with his counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval. Next year, Brazilian President Lula da Silva is expected to visit India for a state visit.

In the past few years, India, Brazil have had talks on firming up defence ties. Brazil has been interested in secure communication systems on the battlefield and offshore patrol vessels from India.&nbsp;

India pitches indigenous Akash missile system to Brazil

What set this operation apart was not just its military precision, but the use of indigenously developed weapons systems, many of which, being deployed in active conflict for the first time.

Operation Sindoor: How made-in-India weapons led the charge during strikes against Pakistan

India has started exporting its Akash Missile System to Armenia. Marking the first time, that the Akash Weapon System has been exported to a foreign country. A move that not only underscores India’s growing military prowess.

India Starts Exporting Akash Missile System