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India ,Egypt 

In a bid to modernize its air defense capabilities, Egypt is actively considering the acquisition of India's Akash medium-range surface-to-air missile system. This move not only signifies a potential boost to India's defense exports but also strengthens the strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Indian Embassy in Cairo is leading efforts to promote Indian-made defense equipment, particularly the Akash system, with discussions underway regarding a possible sale and joint production of Akash missiles in Egypt. Egypt currently relies on aging Soviet-era air defense systems like the MIM-23 Hawk, 2K12 Kub (SA-6), Tayer el-Sabah (SA-2), and S-125 Pechora-M (SA-3), prompting the interest in the modern and effective Akash system.

Developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash system is capable of countering threats from fighter jets, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles at a range of up to 30 km. Its successful deployment by India's armed forces and previous export to Armenia serve as testaments to its efficacy.

India and Egypt have a longstanding defense relationship, marked by military sales, training programs, and joint military exercises. The interest in the Akash system builds on previous discussions during Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to New Delhi in January 2023 and a memorandum of understanding signed by the defense ministers of both countries in September 2022 to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.

India's aggressive promotion of its indigenous military technology has resulted in record defense exports, with the Akash system attracting interest from other nations like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. With aims to increase defense exports to $5 billion by 2025, India is actively targeting markets in Africa, offering affordable and reliable alternatives to Western-made equipment.

In addition to the Akash system, Egypt may also explore other Indian-made defense products like the Akash NG (New Generation) system and the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), alongside considering the MBDA CAMM air defense system to further bolster its modernization efforts.

The potential acquisition of the Akash missile system by Egypt underscores the deepening defense relationship between the two nations and highlights India's emergence as a significant player in the global arms market, providing competitive and capable defense solutions.