India’s Strategic Pivot into Central Asian Skies
India is expanding its defense footprint across Central Asia. On October 1, 2026, Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that the nation has supplied the Akash short-range surface-to-air missile system to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. This move follows India’s 2022 export to Armenia, changing the regional security calculus.
Technical Precision of the Akash System
Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash system is engineered to engage multiple aerial threats at once. It has strong electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) capabilities, providing defense against both active and passive jamming.
The hardware is built for versatility. Each 710-kilogram, 5.87-meter missile operates within a range of 4.5 to 25 kilometers, targeting altitudes from 100 meters up to 20 kilometers. Beyond the base model, the DRDO has introduced the Akash Prime and the Akash-NG, both featuring advanced sensor suites to keep pace with modern aerial warfare.
Displacing a Russian Monopoly
The acquisitions by Tajikistan and Turkmenistan represent a calculated move to diversify military suppliers. Russia has long dominated this space, but that influence is waning; data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) records a 64% decline in Russian arms exports between 2020 and 2024.
Atul Kumar, a researcher at the Observer Research Foundation, noted in the South China Morning Post that the Akash system allows Turkmenistan to complement existing Chinese-made air defense assets by serving as a middle-tier layer in their national defense architecture. Analysts suggest that India’s competitive pricing and the reliability of its domestic production lines position the Akash as a credible alternative to both Russian and Western hardware.
Building a Reputation for Rapid Support
New Delhi is positioning itself as a reliable partner for nations accustomed to Russian-made systems. Rahul Wankhede, an analyst at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, highlighted in the South China Morning Post that India’s ability to provide rapid re-supply and comprehensive training programs strengthens its appeal to international buyers.
The platform’s credibility is bolstered by combat performance. According to Antoine Levesques of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the system saw deployment during a brief aerial confrontation with Pakistan last year. While India currently holds a 31st position in global arms exports as of 2024, the success of these early sales suggests a rising demand for Indian radar, artillery, and missile technology.
Managing Geopolitical Friction
The regional market remains complex. Armenia’s 2022 decision to purchase the Akash was driven by the system’s relatively low cost and an urgent need to counter Azerbaijan’s drone fleet, particularly as Russian supply chains faced significant disruptions, according to the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
Managing the transition requires diplomatic finesse. C. Uday Bhaskar, a former Indian Navy officer, notes that India intends to proceed cautiously to avoid direct friction with Russia, citing their ongoing collaboration on the BrahMos missile program. Yet, as Moscow and Beijing exert shifting influence, India is filling a strategic gap, offering an alternative to the traditional arms market.
More on Central Asia
Related reading