India’s Akash Missile, Garuda Artillery Draw Interest From Brazil
Brazil has expressed interest in adopting the Indian-made Akash surface-to-air missile and Garuda self-propelled howitzer, according to local media.
The move supports the South American government’s ongoing modernization of its armed forces and diversifies related equipment by partnering with international contractors.
New Delhi verified that its foreign affairs ministry is now discussing the terms with Brasília for the potential sale.
If approved, the acquisition will cover technology exchange, joint research, training, and co-production.
Aside from the Akash and Garuda, India and Brazil will explore cooperation involving the development of battlefield communication systems, coastal surveillance capabilities, and new offshore patrol vessels.
Both countries will also examine the feasibility of a joint sustainment operation for the French-designed Scorpène-class submarines employed under their respective maritime forces.
Akash and Garuda Systems
The 6-meter (20-foot) Akash missile has a diameter of 30 centimeters (12 inches) and weighs 720 kilograms (1,587 pounds).
It is powered by a solid fuel propellant and an engine combining an air-augmented rocket and a ramjet motor and features a radio-proximity fuze with high-fragmentation effects.
The Akash has a top speed of Mach 2.5 (3,087 kilometers/1,918 miles per hour), an operational altitude of 20,000 meters (65,617 feet), and a range of 30 kilometers (19 miles).
Meanwhile, the Garuda platform is a 105-millimeter Light Field Gun mounted on a 4×4 wheeled vehicle.
The weapon is deployable in all terrain and delivers up to 6 rounds per 10 minutes. It has a muzzle velocity of 475 meters (1,558 feet) per second and a maximum firing range of 20 kilometers (12 miles).
