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Last Updated:August 08, 2025, 11:39 IST
The Akash-1S proved its mettle during a tense military exchange with Pakistan when it shot down a Fateh-1, a guided rocket developed by Pakistan’s National Development Complex

Akash-1S is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed for rapid interception of aerial threats. (PTI Photo)
A combat-tested Indian missile system that exposed the vulnerabilities of Pakistan’s Fateh-1 rockets during Operation Sindoor is now being considered by the Philippines, China’s maritime rival, for its own defence arsenal. The Akash-1S, a homegrown surface-to-air missile deployed with deadly precision during India’s counter-offensive against Pakistan in earlier this year, has caught Philippines’ attention as it looks to strengthen its air defences amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
India’s defence export ambitions, once modest, have gained serious momentum. With the BrahMos cruise missile already on multiple countries’ shopping lists, the Akash-1S has emerged as the next major contender. Designed to neutralise fast-moving aerial threats, the missile’s proven success in live combat has made it a serious option for countries facing hostile neighbours, whether it’s Pakistan or China.
The Akash-1S proved its mettle during a tense military exchange with Pakistan when it shot down a Fateh-1, a guided rocket developed by Pakistan’s National Development Complex. Known for its stealthy profile and 140-km range, the Fateh-1 was intercepted mid-air by Akash at an altitude of 5 km, an achievement India later showcased with the debris of the downed missile.
Now, the Philippines, which has been trying to shore up its defence capabilities amid repeated confrontations with China in the South China Sea, wants the same Akash system to bolster its own missile shield. If a deal goes through, it could mark another strategic milestone in India’s defence diplomacy, arming a country locked in direct military friction with China.
Why The Akash-1S Matters
Akash-1S is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed for rapid interception of aerial threats. It can strike targets up to 45 km away and at altitudes of up to 20 km, making it ideal for engaging low-flying cruise missiles, drones, and short-range ballistic rockets.
The system uses an indigenous active radio-frequency seeker, a feature that enhances its accuracy against fast, evasive targets. Supporting this is the Rajendra phased-array radar, capable of tracking 64 targets and guiding 12 missiles at once, giving the system the ability to neutralise threats from multiple directions simultaneously.
Akash’s utility against ballistic and guided rockets has gained global attention. Its deployment during Operation Sindoor, a military campaign that involved high-altitude missile duels with Pakistan, marked a breakthrough moment for Indian air defence technology.
Philippines vs China
The Philippines currently uses the SPYDER missile defence system developed by Israeli firms Rafael and IAI. While capable, it is largely short to medium range, using Python-5 and Derby missiles. Adding Akash-1S to its arsenal would give the country an extra layer of defence, particularly against drones and rocket attacks, capabilities seen as essential amid increasing Chinese aggression near its western maritime borders.
For India, the interest from the Philippines comes as validation of its shifting role from major arms importer to emerging exporter. It also raises the stakes in the Indo-Pacific region, where alliances are increasingly being shaped not just by diplomacy, but by defence deals.
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- First Published:
August 08, 2025, 11:39 IST
News world China's Arch Rival Eyes India's Akash-1S That Downed Pakistani Missiles In Operation Sindoor
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