The government has approved the export of Akash-to-air missiles developed by India with local sources.

The Security Committee, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to export weapons in order to reach the country’s $5 billion export target and improve strategic ties with allies, Indian media reported.

Following this decision, it was stated that Vietnam, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates wanted to buy the Akash missile.

Capable of manoeuvring 20g, Akash has a maximum effective altitude of 18,000 metres. The export version of the Akash is expected to be different from the missiles in India’s inventory.