Supersonic cruise missiles and air defence systems highlight deepening strategic ties as Abu Dhabi seeks to bolster defences post-regional conflict.
India and the United Arab Emirates are engaged in early-stage but rapidly progressing talks for the potential sale of India’s flagship BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defence system, sources familiar with the matter have told Media.
The discussions come as Gulf nations, including the UAE, intensify efforts to diversify their arms suppliers beyond traditional Western partners following vulnerabilities exposed during recent conflicts in West Asia, including Iranian attacks on UAE territory.
BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia, is one of the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3 and launchable from land, sea, or air platforms. The Akashteer system is an advanced, automated air defence command-and-control network developed by India’s Bharat Electronics Ltd and the Indian Army.
Strategic shift in the Gulf:
The UAE’s interest reflects a broader regional trend of reducing reliance on a single supplier and building multi-layered defences to protect critical infrastructure, including the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy exports.
If finalised, a deal would position the UAE as the fourth export customer for the BrahMos system after the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It would also mark a significant milestone in India-UAE defence cooperation, building on existing strategic partnerships.
Analysts note that the UAE has already explored defence agreements with other nations, such as a major memorandum with South Korea earlier this year, as it reassesses its security posture in a volatile region.
Boost for India’s defence exports:
For India, the potential export underscores its growing ambitions as a defence manufacturer and exporter. New Delhi aims to reach ₹50,000 crore (about $6 billion) in defence exports by 2030, with systems like BrahMos gaining traction due to their proven performance.
The missile drew international attention following its role in recent India-Pakistan tensions, demonstrating its precision and effectiveness.
Any BrahMos sale to the UAE would require approval from Russia, given its joint development. Sources indicate the talks are still at an initial phase but moving swiftly, with the UAE expressing interest in multiple Indian weapon systems.
India-UAE Defence Talks Signal Shift in Global Arms Trade:
The potential deal fits into the wider India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which spans trade, energy, technology, and security. Bilateral ties have strengthened significantly in recent years, with the two nations collaborating on various defence and counter-terrorism initiatives.
Observers say such exports not only enhance India’s geopolitical influence but also signal a shift in global arms markets, where emerging powers like India are offering competitive, battle-tested alternatives to established suppliers.
Neither the Indian government nor the UAE has issued official statements confirming the specifics of the negotiations. However, defence industry sources describe the momentum as promising.
As talks continue, the outcome could further reshape defence dynamics in the Gulf and accelerate India’s rise as a key player in the international arms trade.