India and the United Arab Emirates are engaged in advanced discussions for the potential sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defence system, marking a significant milestone in New Delhi’s growing defence export ambitions. The negotiations underscore India’s emergence as a supplier of sophisticated military technology and reflect the UAE’s efforts to diversify its defence partnerships beyond its traditional dependence on Western, particularly American, arms manufacturers.
BrahMos and India’s Defence Export Rise
The BrahMos missile is one of India’s most successful defence programmes and a symbol of the country's growing technological capabilities. Jointly developed by India and Russia through BrahMos Aerospace, established in 1998, the missile is named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
Recognized as one of the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles, BrahMos can travel at speeds approaching Mach 3, nearly three times the speed of sound. The missile follows a “fire-and-forget” principle and is capable of striking targets with high precision over long distances.
A major advantage of the BrahMos system is its versatility. It can be launched from land-based platforms, naval vessels, submarines and combat aircraft, making it a highly adaptable weapon system for modern militaries. Its speed, accuracy and low-altitude flight profile make interception extremely difficult, enhancing its deterrence value.
India’s defence export profile has expanded considerably in recent years, with major BrahMos agreements already secured with Vietnam and Indonesia. Interest from Gulf nations now signals the widening international appeal of Indian military technology.
The Systems Under Discussion
The proposed discussions with the UAE involve not only the BrahMos missile but also the Akashteer air defence command and control system.
Akashteer is an indigenous Air Defence Control and Reporting System developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in collaboration with the Indian Army, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The AI-enabled platform integrates surveillance, tracking and engagement capabilities to coordinate ground-based air defence assets in real time.
Designed to monitor low-level airspace and respond rapidly to incoming aerial threats, Akashteer represents India’s growing expertise in network-centric warfare and integrated defence solutions.
Together, the BrahMos and Akashteer systems provide a combination of offensive strike capability and defensive airspace management, making them attractive to countries seeking comprehensive military modernization.
Strategic Importance for India and UAE
For the UAE, the talks indicate a broader strategy of diversifying defence procurement sources amid evolving geopolitical realities. While the country continues to maintain strong ties with Western suppliers, expanding cooperation with India provides access to proven military technologies and strengthens strategic partnerships in the Indo-West Asian region.
For India, the negotiations are equally significant. A potential deal, estimated at around $450 million, would reinforce New Delhi’s ambition of becoming a major defence exporter and reduce its long-standing image as primarily an arms importer.
The discussions also deepen India-UAE strategic ties, which have expanded substantially across trade, investment, energy and security sectors over the past decade.
A New Phase in India’s Defence Diplomacy
The BrahMos and Akashteer talks highlight the growing confidence in India’s indigenous defence capabilities and its emergence as a credible supplier of advanced military systems. Beyond the commercial value of any potential agreement, the negotiations reflect shifting global defence dynamics, where countries are increasingly seeking diverse and reliable partners. If finalized, the deal would not only strengthen India-UAE strategic relations but also reinforce India’s position as an influential player in the global defence marketplace.
(With agency inputs)
