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India has confirmed the export of its indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, extending the system’s international reach into Central Asia. The agreements add two new customers to India’s air defense export program as New Delhi seeks to expand its domestic defense industry and increase overseas sales of military equipment.

Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed the two countries as customers, following Armenia, which became the first foreign buyer of the Akash system.

The contract values, numbers of systems ordered and delivery schedules have not been disclosed. Neither Tajikistan nor Turkmenistan has publicly provided details of the reported purchases.

The acquisitions introduce another supplier into a regional defense market where Russian and Soviet-designed equipment remains widespread. Central Asian countries have also obtained military equipment from China, Turkey and other international suppliers, reflecting the range of procurement relationships across the region.

Akash Missile System

The Akash is a mobile, short-range surface-to-air missile system developed in India to engage aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to India’s Ministry of Defense, the system has an engagement range of approximately 25 kilometers and can engage multiple targets simultaneously. It also incorporates electronic counter-countermeasures designed to improve its resistance to electronic jamming.

The system is part of India’s broader effort to develop and manufacture more military equipment domestically. Its development involved India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while production has involved companies including Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited.

Indian officials have cited the system’s performance during the country’s 2025 conflict with Pakistan as evidence of its operational capabilities. However, detailed independent assessments of its performance during the conflict remain limited.

The system’s reported combat experience strengthened its appeal to foreign customers that are seeking relatively cost-effective air defense capabilities. Its export success could also open opportunities for other Indian military products, including artillery and radar systems.

India’s defense exports rose by approximately 62 percent in the last financial year to $4.1 billion. Indian companies now supply missiles, drones, armored vehicles, ammunition and aircraft components to more than 80 countries as New Delhi seeks to reduce its long-standing dependence on foreign arms imports.

Central Asian Countries Diversify Arms Suppliers

The sales come as Central Asian countries expand their defense partnerships beyond Russia, which has traditionally supplied much of the region’s military equipment. Russia’s war with Ukraine has placed additional demands on its defense industry and reduced its capacity to supply some foreign customers.

India’s entry into the regional air defense market adds another potential source of equipment. The purchases may provide the two countries with additional procurement options, although the governments have not publicly explained their reasons for selecting the Akash system or disclosed how it will fit into their existing air defense networks.

China has also expanded its presence in Central Asia’s arms market. Turkmenistan has displayed the Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense system, while Tajikistan has operated the Chinese HQ-17AE system. Other regional militaries have acquired Chinese aircraft and armored vehicles, as well as Turkish military drones.

Despite these new acquisitions, Soviet- and Russian-designed equipment remains widespread across Central Asian armed forces. The introduction of Indian systems would add another supplier to this mix, potentially increasing the range of procurement and maintenance arrangements available to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Integrating equipment from different manufacturers also requires adjustments to radar networks, command-and-control systems, communications and identification procedures. Training, spare parts and long-term maintenance arrangements will also influence how effectively new systems can be incorporated into existing forces.

Armenia’s Role in Indian Arms Exports

Armenia provides an existing example of India’s Akash export program. Since 2020, Armenia has reportedly signed defense contracts with India worth nearly $2 billion, according to Indian media estimates, making it one of India’s major overseas defense customers. The total value has not been officially confirmed by either government.

In 2022, Armenia signed a $720 million agreement with Indian state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited covering an undisclosed number of Akash missile systems and 15 Ashwin ballistic missile interceptors.

Deliveries were delayed, but Armenia received its first Akash battery in November 2024, according to reports citing Indian defense-industry sources. The delivery included four launchers and a Rajendra radar. A second delivery was reportedly completed in July 2025, marking the first export of the system and establishing Armenia as its initial foreign operator.

Armenia has also purchased multiple-launch rocket systems, counter-drone equipment and anti-tank missiles from India. These acquisitions demonstrate how an initial air defense purchase can contribute to a broader defense relationship.

India’s Defense Engagement With Central Asia

India’s growing engagement with Central Asia reflects its wider effort to expand its strategic and commercial influence. China’s growing military presence in the region has increased the importance of developing alternative partnerships, while Indian defense exports provide New Delhi with an additional means of strengthening ties with regional governments.

India’s most prominent international missile export is the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, developed jointly with Russia. The Philippines has purchased a shore-based BrahMos system for coastal defense, Vietnam has signed a deal for the missile, and discussions have been reported with Indonesia.

The Akash sales to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan represent a different part of India’s export strategy, extending its reach into a region where Russian equipment remains dominant and Chinese systems are becoming increasingly common.

India has maintained defense links with Tajikistan for decades, including involvement in the refurbishment of Ayni Airbase. However, Tajikistan subsequently reached an agreement allowing Russian forces to use the facility, and India has not maintained a permanent military presence there. Before the reported Akash sales, India had not exported defense equipment to either Tajikistan or Turkmenistan.

The new sales do not fundamentally change Central Asia’s military balance or its dependence on established suppliers. They nevertheless demonstrate growing interest in additional defense partners. Integrating equipment from different countries will also require attention to interoperability, maintenance, training, and logistics as regional militaries diversify their arsenals.