India Transitions Akash Programme Towards Next-Generation Air Defence Systems Rather than concluding production, India’s Akash air defence programme is entering a new stage focused on technologically advanced missile variants. As baseline Akash production gradually winds down, Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are increasing manufacturing of Advanced Akash and Akash-NG systems. Existing Ministry of Defence contracts, combined with continuing Indian Air Force requirements and Armenia’s export order, provide sustained production visibility well beyond the end of the decade. Advanced Akash enhances operational capability through an indigenous Ku-band active radar seeker and dual-pulse solid rocket motor, enabling terminal target acquisition and better performance against manoeuvring threats. Akash-NG represents a complete redesign featuring lighter construction, active RF guidance, canisterised launch capability, modern electronics, and an extended engagement envelope of approximately 70–80 km. To support anticipated domestic and international demand, BDL is constructing new production infrastructure in Telangana equipped with multiple parallel assembly lines. The programme demonstrates India’s broader strategy of combining technological advancement, industrial expansion, and defence exports while strengthening indigenous air defence capabilities.
