Asia Defense | Security | Central Asia

Tajikistan, Turkmenistan to Import Indian Surface-to-Air Missile Systems

Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are newer customers for the indigenous Akash medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile system.

India’s growing defense industry has set sights on Central Asia for new customers. In early October, Indian Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, speaking to Asian News International (ANI) held up the indigenously designed and produced Akash medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system as a “success story.” He highlighted exports of the system to Armenia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

“The first customer was Armenia, which has taken multiple batteries,” Singh said. “Thereafter, we’ve also exported it to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Production has stabilised. We have additional orders for our own services, and I’m sure there will be many more from various parts of the world…”

Singh’s comments confirmed a report from July, published in Indian business magazine BW Businessworld, which cited official data as listing Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as export destinations for the Akash system.

Although ANI reported that both India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Ministry of Defense had confirmed that “Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have joined the buyer list,” neither of the Central Asian countries has commented publicly on the reports.

Central Asia’s militaries have been diversifying suppliers, but the bulk of region forces remain Soviet and/or Russian in design and procurement, with newer additions of Chinese, Turkish, Indian, and Western equipment.

RFE/RL’s Zamira Eshanova recently explained the variety on display:

Recent military parades show just how much Central Asian armies are diversifying their equipment. At its Independence Day parade in Ashgabat on September 27, Turkmenistan displayed a newly acquired Chinese FK-2000 air-defense system, adding to its existing arsenal of Chinese-made missile systems. Also on parade were a Brazilian-made A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft and Italian-made Leonardo M-346 training jets. Tajikistan, meanwhile, has displayed China’s HQ-17AE air-defense system, along with Chinese-made armored vehicles used to transport and protect troops. During its 2026 Independence Day celebrations, Uzbekistan also showcased Chinese J-10CE fighter jets. And, in recent years, Kyrgyzstan has acquired several types of Turkish military drones.

Recent military parades show just how much Central Asian armies are diversifying their........

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