Philippines Poised for Major Defense Boost with Indian-Made AKASH Air Defense System

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) –After acquiring the BrahMos missile system from India, the Philippine government is now reportedly eyeing another strategic defense asset—the AKASH air defense system, state-of-the-art shield against aerial threats comes with a hefty price tag of $200 million (RM880 million), underscoring Manila’s continued push to bolster its military capabilities amid rising regional security concerns.

According to three sources quoted by Reuters recently, the AKASH system has captivated the interest of the Philippine military, with the nation reportedly making a firm commitment to acquire the system in the fiscal year beginning April 2024—a decisive step in bolstering its air defense arsenal.

While Defense Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong remained tight-lipped on the specifics of any potential agreements or procurement plans, he left no doubt—the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has made it clear: they need this capability.

The urgency behind this endeavor became even more pronounced just days ago when the Philippine Army publicly declared its intent to reinforce its air defense arsenal.

Speaking at a press conference, Lieutenant General Roy Galido, the Army’s Chief, revealed that the acquisition of an air defense system had already been budgeted for in the previous fiscal year—a testament to the country’s commitment to strengthening its defensive posture.

“This procurement has already been incorporated into our appropriations, meaning it was listed in last year’s budget,” Galido affirmed. “The process is now in motion—acquisition mechanisms are actively being implemented.”

Yet, despite the momentum, the Philippine Army has yet to finalize its choice—the specific type and manufacturer of the system remain undetermined.

“All of this is still undergoing review and evaluation,” Galido admitted. But there is a precedent. “If I were to cite a reference point, it would be our first major foray into this domain—the BrahMos missile system acquired by the Philippine Navy. That foundation serves as a benchmark as we refine and strengthen our air defense strategy,” he stated.

One of the strongest contenders for this pivotal defense upgrade is the AKASH air defense system—a formidable weapon developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

Engineered to neutralize an array of aerial threats, the medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system boasts the capability to engage fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles with lethal precision.

As tensions escalate and regional security dynamics shift, the Philippines’ next move could reshape the balance of power in the region—one missile at a time.

Key specifications of the AKASH (depending on the variant) system include:

🔹 Operational Range: 25–30 km
🔹 Maximum Engagement Altitude: 18 km
🔹 Missile Speed: Mach 2.5 to Mach 3

The system is equipped with Rajendra Radar, a 3D Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA) radar, which provides advanced target acquisition and engagement capabilities.

It can track up to 64 targets simultaneously, guide four missiles at once, and engage up to 12 targets per battery, ensuring a formidable defense against multiple airborne threats.

The AKASH system offers “Shoot and Scoot” mobility, allowing it to reposition swiftly to avoid counterattacks.

It is also designed with electronic warfare resilience, enabling it to operate effectively in environments with high levels of electronic interference.

Variants of the AKASH System

🔹 AKASH (Original Variant)

• India’s first indigenous medium-range air defense system, used by both the Indian Army and Air Force.

• Primarily deployed to protect strategic assets, including military bases, airfields, and key infrastructure.

🔹 AKASH-1S

• An enhanced version featuring an active radar seeker, improving accuracy against smaller and faster-moving targets.

🔹 AKASH-NG (New Generation)

• Extended range of up to 50 km.

• Next-generation active radar seeker for superior target acquisition.

• Lighter design with reduced logistical footprint, enhancing operational flexibility.

• Capable of intercepting short-range ballistic missiles and next-generation fighter jets.

The AKASH air defense system can be deployed across multiple platforms, including mobile truck launchers and fixed-site installations.

Additionally, it can be integrated into multi-layered air defense networks, allowing interoperability with other missile and radar systems.

Compared to high-cost Western alternatives like Russia’s S-400 or the U.S. Patriot system, AKASH offers a cost-effective yet powerful solution for nations seeking to enhance their air defense capabilities without excessive expenditure.

The AKASH air defense system represents a proven, versatile, and cost-effective solution for modern air defense operations.

With its high-speed engagement, multi-target tracking, and robust electronic warfare resistance, AKASH provides comprehensive air defense coverage for military installations and national infrastructure.

As the Philippines intensifies its defense modernization efforts, the potential acquisition of the AKASH system could significantly bolster the country’s ability to counter aerial threats amid rising tensions in the region.

The next-generation AKASH-NG further enhances these capabilities, making India’s indigenous air defense system a strong contender in the global defense market.

In 2022, Armenia signed a deal to acquire 15 Akash missile systems, valued at approximately $720 million (RM3.1 billion).

The first battery was delivered in November 2024.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA