Operation Sindoor proved India's Akash system in combat. Patriot missiles are in short supply. 
Ukraine urgently wants more Patriot missile batteries. Now America is rebuilding its arsenal which has been severely depleted during the Iran war. The Akash Missile System is an indigenous, mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile defence system developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation. This short explainer shows how Akash’s networked radars, mobile launchers and dual-mode seekers offer affordable, scalable defence against missiles, drones and low-orbit threats. Watch the video to know why nations are lining up for Aakash and how drone swarms forced a rethink in layered air defence.

How Akash became the world's most wanted air-defence system 

India’s defense manufacturing sector is experiencing a historic surge, transforming the nation from one of the world's largest defense importers into a major global defense exporter. Driven by the "Make in India" initiative and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) policies, advanced indigenous defense systems—ranging from the Tejas fighter jet and Akash missile systems to artillery guns, radar systems, and naval hardware—are rapidly gaining traction among international buyers.


India's indigenous weapons storm the global market

Modern fighter jets face immense thermal stress from 1,000°C engines, avionics, and air friction. They rely on aviation fuel as a coolant and flat nozzles to mask infrared signatures. Managing this heat is critical to avoid internal failure and evade enemy missiles.

Modern fighter jets face immense thermal stress from 1,000°C engines, avionics, and air friction. They rely on aviation fuel as a coolant and flat nozzles to mask infrared signatures. Managing this heat is critical to avoid internal failure and evade enemy missiles.

Why fighter jet engine heat is a bigger threat than enemy missiles

Iran has fundamentally altered modern warfare by using terminal-manoeuvring ballistic missiles and cheap drone swarms to exhaust American air defences. Multiple reports reveal the US has burned through critical stockpiles of multi-million-dollar Patriot interceptors in West Asia. Tehran's mid-flight trajectory changes force US batteries to fire multiple interceptors per target, triggering an alarming weapons depletion across the Pentagon.


Iranian 'zigzag missile' which US can't stop | Decoding Iran's deadly missile tactics

The S-400 uses a layered defence strategy by deploying four distinct missiles. The 40N6E hits targets at 400 km, the 48N6DM covers 250 km, and the agile 9M96 series engages threats up to 120 km, creating a flawless airspace shield.

The S-400 uses a layered defence strategy by deploying four distinct missiles. The 40N6E hits targets at 400 km, the 48N6DM covers 250 km, and the agile 9M96 series engages threats up to 120 km, creating a flawless airspace shield.

Why does the S-400 carry four different missiles instead of one?

While the S-400's Mach 14 interceptors defeat traditional ballistic missiles, unpredictable hypersonic glide vehicles pose a severe threat. Upgrades like the hit-to-kill 77N6 missile and integration with the S-500 are required for total defence.

While the S-400's Mach 14 interceptors defeat traditional ballistic missiles, unpredictable hypersonic glide vehicles pose a severe threat. Upgrades like the hit-to-kill 77N6 missile and integration with the S-500 are required for total defence.

Can hypersonic missiles defeat the S-400?

West Asia's security landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation following the Iran conflict. Saudi Arabia is advancing its civilian nuclear ambitions, Turkey is seeking to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program, and regional powers are rapidly reassessing their military strategies and deterrence capabilities. The shifting balance of power has reignited concerns about a possible regional arms race. While Saudi Arabia deepens its strategic ties with the United States and maintains close defense cooperation with Pakistan, Turkey is pushing to regain access to fifth-generation stealth fighters. Meanwhile, Israel continues to maintain one of the region's most advanced militaries under its long-standing policy of nuclear ambiguity.

West Asia on edge | Iran war sparks fears of Nuclear Arms race as Saudi Arabia and Turkey Rearm

The United States escalated its renewed bombing campaign on Iran on Friday by hitting bridges and an airport, and ​Tehran responded with strikes on U.S. bases across the Middle East. Iran's IRGC struck US forward bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Syria and Bahrain with coordinated salvos of advanced ballistic and massive missiles, plus drone swarms. Tehran says the strikes respond to heavy US bombardment and blockade measures. We unpack the weapons used Fattah, Khaibar Shekan, Zolfaghar, Fateh. The video explains how mixed salvos are aimed at defeating American multi-layered air defences, and what Iran's new two-for-one doctrine means for regional escalation.


Iran's deadly new tactic & bigger missiles | Tehran warns will burn everything in Gulf

The S-400 Triumf is not a single vehicle but a network of radars and launchers. Each launcher holds 4 to 16 missiles. A standard battery deploys up to 128 missiles. The full system can simultaneously guide 72 missiles to destroy 36 aerial targets.

The S-400 Triumf is not a single vehicle but a network of radars and launchers. Each launcher holds 4 to 16 missiles. A standard battery deploys up to 128 missiles. The full system can simultaneously guide 72 missiles to destroy 36 aerial targets.

How many missiles does one S-400 have?

With individual missiles costing between $300,000 and $2 million, the Russian S-400 system offers advanced air defence at a fraction of the $3 billion price tag of a US THAAD battery.

With individual missiles costing between $300,000 and $2 million, the Russian S-400 system offers advanced air defence at a fraction of the $3 billion price tag of a US THAAD battery.

How much does a single S-400 missile cost?

A massive ballistic missile attack struck Ukraine’s capital in the early hours of Sunday, prompting urgent air raid sirens and a city-wide scramble for safety. Explosions were heard across Kyiv as the city’s air defense systems engaged incoming projectiles, resulting in fires in the Darnytsky district, including a vehicle service station and residential areas.


Russia-Ukraine war: Explosions in Ukraine's capital as Russia launches missile attack

Ukraine has launched a massive, coordinated drone offensive, successfully bypassing Russian air defenses to strike deep into the Moscow region. This tactical escalation marks a significant shift in the conflict, targeting critical infrastructure and exposing vulnerabilities in Moscow’s aerial shield. As sirens wail across the capital and military experts analyze the breach, the Kremlin faces mounting pressure to re-evaluate its defense strategy. 

Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv’s Drones Breach Moscow; Russia’s Defense System Fails!

DRDO successfully demonstrated a multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence system and conducted the maiden flight-test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–
Medium Range, marking a major boost to India's defence capabilities. The achievement places India among a select group of nations with advanced BMD capabilities.


India Demonstrates Multi-Layered Ballistic Missile Defence Capabilities

India’s defence exports have witnessed a massive surge of nearly 6,000%, reflecting the country’s rapid rise as a major player in the global arms and military manufacturing sector. With increased indigenous production, advanced defence technology and growing international demand, India’s war industry is becoming increasingly self-reliant and combat-ready.

India's Defence Exports Surge 6,000% | India's War Industry in Now War Ready

Coloured stripes on fighter jet missiles indicate hazard levels. Yellow marks a live high-explosive warhead, brown indicates a rocket motor, and blue represents a completely inert training weapon.

Coloured stripes on fighter jet missiles indicate hazard levels. Yellow marks a live high-explosive warhead, brown indicates a rocket motor, and blue represents a completely inert training weapon.

Why fighter jet missiles have different coloured stripes

Reports suggesting that the United States and other major powers are “running out of weapons” amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict highlight growing concerns over strained military stockpiles. Analysts say sustained missile strikes, drone interceptions, and air defence operations have significantly depleted high-end munitions, raising questions about long-term readiness in a prolonged war scenario.


US-Iran War: World's Most Powerful Nations Running Out of Weapons 

Missiles expire as solid propellants degrade and become brittle within 30 years. Upgrades stretch shelf life, keeping weapons like the Minuteman III active for 55 years.

Missiles expire as solid propellants degrade and become brittle within 30 years. Upgrades stretch shelf life, keeping weapons like the Minuteman III active for 55 years.

'Missile age': Does an old weapon still work safely after 20 years?

Taiwan is significantly expanding its missile capabilities as it seeks to strengthen deterrence against growing military pressure from China. Reports indicate the island plans to increase its inventory of anti-ship missiles to more than 1,800 by 2029, relying heavily on Harpoon and Hsiung Feng systems. The build-up is designed to improve Taiwan's ability to counter potential blockades or invasion scenarios, reflecting Taipei's broader efforts to enhance self-defence and military readiness.


 Taiwan Seeks Up To $14 Billion Arms Package From Washington

Russia has intensified its military pressure on Ukraine with reports highlighting the use of advanced hypersonic missile systems, raising concerns over Ukraine’s ability to intercept such high-speed strikes. According to battlefield assessments, Ukraine’s air defence systems are increasingly strained as Russian attacks continue to target key infrastructure.


Putin's Hypersonic Missile Fury | Ukaine's Weakened Air Defences Struggle to Stop Russian Strikes

A new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies has raised alarm over the state of U.S. missile stockpiles following the Iran conflict. Analysts warn that key weapons systems, including Patriot and THAAD interceptors, have been heavily depleted and could take years to fully replenish. The report says the war exposed major weaknesses in America’s defence supply chain at a time of growing tensions with China, Russia and ongoing commitments in Ukraine and the Middle East.


CSIS Report Claims US Needs At Least 3 Years to Rebuild Missile Stocks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has written to US President Donald Trump highlighting Ukraine’s urgent shortage of air defence systems. In the letter, Zelenskyy urged Washington to increase the supply of Patriot missiles and other critical defence systems as Russian missile and drone attacks intensify.


Zelensky Addresses Ukraine's Lack of Air Defences In Letter to Trump 

North Korea conducted cruise missile and rocket tests under the supervision of Kim Jong Un, according to state media, as regional tensions continue to rise on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea Testing Missiles Again: South Korea Flags Concerns

Fresh reports suggest Iran has managed to restore parts of its missile infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz despite sustained US and Israeli strikes during the conflict. Intelligence assessments indicate that key missile capabilities may have survived the attacks, raising new questions about the long-term effectiveness of the military campaign. 

Iran War: Tehran Rebuilds Missile Network Despite US-Israeli Strikes, Reports Claim 

Turkey has unveiled its next-generation defense and aerospace systems at a major aerospace exhibition, highlighting rapid advancements in indigenous military technology. The showcase included cutting-edge drones, fighter aircraft concepts, missile systems, and electronic warfare platforms. The display underscores Ankara’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing and its ambition to become a key global player in the aerospace and defense industry.


Turkey Showcases Next-Generation Systems at Aerospace Exhibition

Israel has ordered a “full force” ramp-up in the production of its Arrow missile interceptors, as it moves fast to replenish long-range defence stockpiles. The decision by the Israel Ministry of Defense comes amid rising regional threats and sustained missile activity. Officials say boosting interceptor capacity is critical to maintaining air defence readiness, even as concerns grow over prolonged conflict and the strain on military resources.


Israel Orders 'Full Force' Arrow Missile Surge, Expands Long-Range Missile Stockpiles

The ongoing Iran conflict has raised serious questions about the United States’ military readiness, with reports suggesting significant depletion of key missile stockpiles. Analysts say nearly half of some critical munitions have been used, while replenishment could take years due to production limits.
While officials insist capabilities remain intact, the situation highlights how prolonged conflicts can strain even the world’s most advanced military systems.

War In West Asia Wiped Out Half Of America's Key Missiles 

The United States military is facing growing concerns over depleted missile stockpiles following the recent conflict with Iran.
According to assessments, including those by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, nearly 45% of Precision Strike Missiles have been used, along with around 50% of THAAD and Patriot air defense interceptors. Other long-range systems, including cruise missiles, have also seen significant drawdowns.
Experts warn this creates a “near-term risk” for US military readiness—especially if another major conflict emerges, particularly involving China.
The situation highlights the strain of modern high-intensity warfare on advanced weapons systems and raises urgent questions about production capacity, defense planning, and global deterrence.

Iran War Exposes US Military Limits: America's Arsenal Depleting? 

Report: US At Risk of Running Out of Missiles; Stockpile Not Enough To Confront China 

The Japanese government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has approved a major defense policy shift, allowing the export of lethal weapons, including warships and missiles, departing from its post-war pacifist stance. This policy, approved by the cabinet, lifts a ban on transferring offensive weapons to 17 partner countries. 


Takaichi Govt Approves Major Defence Shift; Japanese Warships, Missiles & Weapons Now Eligible for Export

A U.S. destroyer opened fire before moving in to seize an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman. Tehran has now vowed a direct and forceful retaliation against Washington, a threat that goes beyond mere rhetoric. Iran is rapidly expanding its missile and drone arsenal while stockpiling more advanced and lethal weaponry, raising the stakes sharply.


Iran Readies Missiles to Avenge US Fire & Ship Capture

Reports citing US intelligence suggest China may be preparing a fresh weapons shipment to Iran, potentially including air-defence systems, amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. However, Beijing has strongly denied the claims, calling them “groundless smears” and insisting it maintains strict controls over military exports. 

China Secretly Preparing New Weapons Shipment to Iran?

missiles

Missiles, News on Missiles, stories on Missiles, articles on Missiles, Missiles stories at Wion, Missiles news, Missiles latest news