In a significant development in the global defense market, India’s Akash missile system is competing against China’s Sky Dragon-50 for a substantial air defense contract in Brazil. Reports indicate that the Brazilian military is actively assessing both systems to determine which will best serve their defense needs.

The evaluation of these air defense (AD) systems follows the Brazilian Army’s recent steps to bolster its air defense capabilities. On June 21, the Brazilian Army published an Ordinance to acquire a Medium Altitude/High Altitude Air Defense Artillery System, signaling the start of a competitive selection process.

This initiative began in November 2023 when the Brazilian Army issued a Request for Quote (RFQ) for medium-altitude air defense systems, seeking prices from both national and international providers. A follow-up RFQ was issued in February 2024, requesting additional information to aid in their evaluation process.

General Tomas Miguel Mine Ribeiro Paiva, the Brazilian military chief, has been pivotal in driving these evaluations. He has suggested pursuing a “government-to-government” agreement with India to acquire the Akash missile system. To further these discussions, General Paiva is scheduled to visit China in August to explore potential bilateral cooperation and assess the Sky Dragon-50.

Previously, a Brazilian Army delegation visited China in 2023 for a live fire demonstration of the Sky Dragon-50, also known as the Tianlong-50, and the SH15 self-propelled howitzer, both developed by China North Industries Corporation.

In August 2023, General Paiva attended a live demonstration of India’s Akash Air Defense Missile System. During this visit, he was also introduced to other Indian-made defense platforms, such as the advanced Arjun tanks and versatile Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruva helicopters. The demonstration showcased the Akash system’s capabilities in airspace protection and highlighted India’s self-reliance in defense technology.

Akash Missile System: Comparing Akash and Sky Dragon-50

The competition between the Indian Akash and the Chinese Sky Dragon-50 involves contrasting capabilities and strategic advantages.

The Akash system, developed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system designed to protect critical areas and points from aerial attacks. Key features of the Akash Weapon System (AWS) include:

• Multiple Target Engagement: It can engage multiple targets simultaneously in both Group Mode and Autonomous Mode.
• Electronic Countermeasures (ECCM): Built-in features enhance its resilience against electronic jamming.
• Mobility: Mounted on mobile platforms, it offers high flexibility and can be swiftly transported via rail or road.
• Range and Response: Capable of engaging helicopters, fighter jets, and UAVs within a range of 4-25 kilometers, it boasts a quick response time from target detection to engagement.
• Indigenous Content: Currently, 82% indigenous, with plans to increase to 93% by 2026-27.

According to the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash is the first system globally capable of simultaneously engaging four aerial targets at a 25-kilometer range using a single firing unit. It is also noted for its high immunity to active and passive jamming.

Sky Dragon-50: Akash’s Versatility and Global Appeal

The Sky Dragon-50, a medium-range SAM system produced by China North Industries Corporation, has not had its range publicly disclosed. However, it is known for the following attributes:

• Range: While the exact range is not publicly available, it is categorized as a medium-range SAM system.
• Capabilities: Like the Akash, it is designed to engage a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft and UAVs.
• Demonstrations: The Brazilian military witnessed a live fire demonstration in 2023, showcasing its operational capabilities.

The interest in these air defense systems extends beyond Brazil. Armenia has already placed an order for the Indian-built Akash system, and several countries across South America, the Middle East, and Africa have shown interest. The Philippines and Vietnam are also potential buyers, indicating a growing market for India’s defense technology.

The Akash system’s mobility and adaptability make it particularly attractive. Mounted on trucks, it is agile and enhances survivability on the battlefield. Its capabilities have drawn comparisons to Israel’s Iron Dome, although the Akash is considered superior in several aspects. It can intercept not only UAVs and helicopters but also smaller projectiles, making it a comprehensive air defense solution.

During the IAF’s Astrashakti exercise in December 2023, the Akash system demonstrated its firepower by engaging four unmanned aerial targets simultaneously. This highlighted its capability to defend against coordinated multi-directional attacks, showcasing its operational versatility.

The Akash missile is available in two upgraded variants: Akash-NG (New Generation) and Akash Prime. Both have a flight ceiling of approximately 18 kilometers and an operational range of 27-30 kilometers. Akash Prime features an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, enhancing its accuracy against airborne targets. Additional improvements include enhanced reliability in low-temperature conditions at high altitudes.

Former DRDO scientist Ravi Kumar Gupta emphasized the Akash system’s versatility as a significant advantage over other air defense systems. Unlike systems that function optimally only under specific conditions, the Akash system is designed to operate effectively in diverse environments.

“The systems are developed for diverse conditions that can withstand extreme conditions anywhere in the world, which makes them most reliable and sturdy,” Gupta stated. He highlighted that the indigenous nature of the system allows India to customize it cost-effectively to meet any buyer’s requirements, ensuring high effectiveness against adversaries.

As Brazil evaluates the Indian Akash and Chinese Sky Dragon-50 for its air defense needs, the decision will have far-reaching implications for global defense dynamics. Both systems offer distinct advantages, and the choice will depend on Brazil’s specific defense requirements and strategic considerations.

The competition between these two systems underscores the growing influence of India and China in the global defense market. As countries seek to bolster their defense capabilities, the outcomes of such evaluations and contracts will shape the future landscape of military technology and international relations.

With ongoing discussions and evaluations, the world watches as Brazil moves closer to making a decision that will enhance its air defense capabilities and potentially set a precedent for future defense acquisitions in the region.