In a major boost to its indigenous defense capabilities, India has deployed the Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system along its border with Pakistan to counter escalating aerial threats. Defence officials confirmed the system’s active role in repelling attempted Pakistani air and drone attacks in recent days, as tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations continue to rise.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash is a medium-range missile system capable of targeting aircraft, drones, and missiles within a 25-kilometer radius. With an operational kill probability of 98.5%, it has become a key component of India’s layered air defense grid. Both the Indian Army and Air Force have integrated the Akash into their strategies, securing a 2,000-square-kilometer airspace coverage along the western front.
According to military reports, on May 7, an Akash battery successfully shot down a Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder jet that attempted to target Indian fighter aircraft in the Kashmir region. This marked one of the clearest demonstrations of the system’s effectiveness under combat conditions. The deployment complements India’s broader air defense architecture, including advanced systems like the Russian-made S-400, used in recent engagements to neutralize drones and missiles.
Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2015, the Akash system is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), key players in India’s defense industry. With defense contracts valued around ₹28,800 crore (approximately $4.8 billion), the system is a flagship of the government’s Make in India initiative and its push for self-reliance in defense technology.
The Akash system is known for its ability to simultaneously track and destroy multiple targets. During Exercise Astrashakti 2023, it successfully intercepted four aerial targets in one engagement, solidifying its reputation as a force multiplier.
The latest deployment follows a series of cross-border hostilities. On May 8, Indian missile strikes reportedly resulted in 31 casualties across Pakistani territory, prompting retaliatory missile and drone launches by Pakistan. Indian air defenses, including Akash batteries, intercepted all incoming threats. There were no Indian casualties, though explosions were reported in cities such as Jammu, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner.
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar responded firmly, stating, “If there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very, very firm response.”
Internationally, the Akash system has begun to attract attention. The United Arab Emirates and the Philippine Navy have shown interest in the system, with a possible $200 million procurement deal under discussion in Manila, reflecting growing recognition of India’s defense export potential.
As regional tensions continue to simmer, the Akash missile system stands as a symbol of India’s evolving military readiness and technological self-sufficiency in the defense sector.
