India Proposes Akash Defence Missile System to UAE

In a major step forward for both India's defense industry and India-UAE defense relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has extended an offer of the Akash air defense missile system to the United Arab Emirates. This offer was made during a meeting between Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The significance of this offer is particularly notable given that the UAE is grappling with threats from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The Akash missile system, made in India, could prove vital in countering this threat.

File Image: Akash Missile | Eurasian Times

The Houthis have posed a danger to ships in the Red Sea for over a year, and reports suggest that they may intensify their attacks, potentially targeting the UAE, which heightens the risk in the region.

Akash Air Defence Missile System: An Overview

The Akash air defense missile system is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile designed to offer area air defense against a variety of aerial threats targeting mobile, semi-mobile, and stationary vulnerable forces and areas, according to Bharat Electronics Limited.

Equipped with Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM), the system can engage multiple targets simultaneously in either Group Mode or Autonomous Mode. One of its key advantages is that the entire system is mounted on mobile platforms.

PM Modi Applauds Dubai’s Pivotal Role in Strengthening India-UAE Ties

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in New Delhi. During their meeting, PM Modi emphasized Dubai's significant role in strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

As part of the UAE Crown Prince's visit, PM Modi hosted a working lunch for the dignitary, who had arrived in New Delhi earlier that day at the Prime Minister’s invitation.

“Glad to meet HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. Dubai has played a key role in advancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This special visit reaffirms our deep-rooted friendship and paves the way for even stronger collaboration in the future,” Prime Minister Modi shared a post on the social media platform X following the meeting.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)