India has confirmed the export of its indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, expanding its defence footprint in Central Asia.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh told ANI on October 1 that the two countries have received the system. Armenia was the first foreign customer, buying multiple batteries in a deal worth $230 million last year.

Singh described Akash as one of India’s defence success stories. He said production has stabilised, domestic orders from the armed forces continue, and more international orders are expected.

The Akash is a short-range surface-to-air missile developed by the DRDO. It is designed to intercept high-velocity aerial targets such as aircraft, drones and missiles.

Neither Tajikistan nor Turkmenistan has publicly confirmed the purchase. Officials have not disclosed the contract values, the number of batteries or delivery timelines.

The sales mark India’s entry into a region long supplied by Russia. Turkmenistan, which operates Chinese air defence systems, showcased the new Chinese FK-2000 system at its independence day parade on September 27.