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India ,Armenia

The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict of 2020 spotlighted the pivotal role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), notably Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 drone, in modern warfare. Armenia's struggle to counter these drones highlighted the urgent need for effective air defense solutions tailored to this specific threat. In this context, India's Akash Air Defense System emerges as a potential game-changer for Armenia.

During the Nagorno-Karabakh War, the TB2 drone showcased its tactical prowess, causing substantial damage to Armenian forces through targeted strikes and surveillance operations. Armenia's traditional defense mechanisms proved inadequate against this evolving threat landscape.

Developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash system presents a viable option for neutralizing TB2 drones. Unlike some long-range systems, the Akash excels at engaging targets within a range of 200 meters to 20 kilometers, making it well-suited for countering drones operating at lower altitudes.

One of the Akash system's key strengths lies in its ability to combat diverse aerial threats, including UAVs. Equipped with sophisticated radar technology, it can detect and track small, slow-moving drones effectively. Moreover, its capability to engage multiple targets simultaneously is particularly valuable against potential drone swarms, an emerging tactic in modern warfare.

Despite the initial success of the TB2 drone, recent reports from the Ukraine war indicate setbacks for the unmanned aircraft. Ukrainian forces have developed effective counter-drone measures and adapted existing air defense systems, resulting in the destruction of over 100 TB2 drones. This underscores the vulnerability of the TB2 to capable air defense measures.

The Akash system appears promising in countering TB2 drones, albeit with certain considerations. The successful integration of the Akash system into Armenia's existing defense infrastructure may pose initial challenges. Moreover, establishing a layered air defense network, wherein systems like Akash complement others specialized for different ranges, would enhance overall effectiveness.

The upcoming delivery of the Akash 1S Air Defense system to Armenia by India signifies a significant upgrade to Armenia's aging air defense capabilities. Notably, the Akash 1S features an integrated seeker for target destruction, surpassing older proximity fuses. Armenia's reliance on outdated Soviet-era air defense systems such as the 2K11 Krug, 9K33 Osa, 2K12 Kub, and 9K35 Strela-10 underscores the urgent need for modernization.

In conclusion, India's Akash Air Defense System offers Armenia a crucial advantage in addressing the evolving threat landscape posed by UAVs, particularly the TB2 drone. Its ability to engage targets at various ranges, coupled with advanced radar technology and simultaneous targeting capabilities, positions it as a formidable asset in Armenia's defense arsenal. While challenges exist in integration and deployment, the potential benefits of bolstering Armenia's air defense capabilities with the Akash system outweigh these obstacles. As Armenia prepares to embrace this new defense technology, the partnership between India and Armenia marks a significant step towards enhancing regional security and stability.