Indian Akash SAM
Brazil has declined India’s offer to purchase an Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system and a Garuda self-propelled howitzer, raising serious questions about the reliability and effectiveness of Indian-made defense platforms. This development comes as Brazil continues to modernize its military with a focus on performance, interoperability, and international collaboration.
Despite India’s effort to promote the Akash missile through diplomatic channels, Brazil has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the missile’s operational capabilities. According to Brazilian defense officials, the Akash SAM—based on outdated Soviet-era technology—lacks key battlefield features, such as data links and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems.
Akash Missile Falls Short in Precision and Tracking
The main concern highlighted by Brazil revolves around the missile’s inconsistent performance during live trials. Reports indicate that the fire control radar of the Akash SAM failed to lock onto and track multiple targets during combat exercises, including specific incidents in the Kashmir region.
These technical setbacks have significantly eroded confidence in the missile’s suitability for Brazil’s evolving air defense requirements. Although the system boasts Mach 2.5 speeds and a 30-kilometer engagement range, the absence of a robust target acquisition framework makes it unreliable against fast-moving aerial threats.
Technical Overview of the Akash System
India’s Akash missile system features a 6-meter-long projectile with a 30 cm diameter and a launch weight of 720 kilograms. It is powered by a solid-fuel, air-augmented rocket motor integrated with a ramjet engine. Designed for high-altitude interception, the missile has an operational ceiling of 20,000 meters and employs a radio proximity fuse with high-fragmentation warheads.
However, Brazil’s rejection points to the critical gap between technical specifications on paper and real-world battlefield performance.
Garuda Howitzer Also Fails to Impress
Brazil also turned down India’s offer of the Garuda self-propelled howitzer—a 105 mm light field gun mounted on a 4×4 wheeled platform. Field tests revealed poor accuracy and reliability. Of particular concern were multiple reports of ammunition malfunctions, including turret explosions.
Brazilian evaluators cited the system’s inability to meet safety and reliability benchmarks, further compounded by past failures of Indian-manufactured ammunition in countries such as Armenia and Ukraine.
Broader Defence Talks Continue Despite Setback
Despite this setback, both nations remain open to wider cooperation in defense technology. Ongoing discussions include co-development projects in battlefield communication systems, coastal surveillance, and offshore patrol vessels. These initiatives reflect a strategic interest in diversifying partnerships beyond traditional suppliers.
India and Brazil are also evaluating joint sustainment strategies for their respective Scorpène-class submarines. As both navies operate this French-designed vessel, a shared logistics and maintenance framework could enhance operational efficiency.
India’s Defence Exports Under Scrutiny
Brazil’s rejection of the Akash SAM underscores the challenges India faces in positioning itself as a reliable global arms exporter. While New Delhi aims to expand its defense exports to South America and Africa, buyer nations are increasingly prioritizing proven battlefield capability, system integration, and post-sales support.
India’s defense industry, led by entities like DRDO and BEL, must address these concerns to boost their credibility in international markets. Otherwise, Western or Chinese suppliers, offering more established or technologically mature systems, could potentially outbid India.
Conclusion: Strategic Implications for Both Nations
Brazil’s decision affects bilateral defense ties and sends a broader message about the standards required for the global arms market. Accuracy, real-time data links, and system integration are now baseline expectations.
The Akash SAM and Garuda platform work in controlled settings but lack strength for dynamic, networked battlefields. India’s defence industry must raise performance standards to match global benchmarks if it wants to stay strategically relevant.
