BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles may just be emerging as one of India's biggest defence export success stories, as some "friendly foreign countries" are expected to soon sign BrahMos export deals worth around $450 million.
According to media reports, the missile was a major attraction at the Indian pavilion at the recent Dubai Airshow. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth had reportedly described the missile as “a major attraction at the airshow, with proven versatility across land, sea and air platforms.”
News agency ANI, citing sources, reported that India is close to signing defence deals worth $450 million to supply Brahmos missiles.
The deals are expected to be signed in the "near future and are in final stages at the moment," ANI quoted defence sources as saying, adding that "These deals are expected to be followed by many more as there is big interest in the missiles by many other countries from across the globe."
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The missile may have become attractive to prospective buyers because of its confirmed combat use in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. As many as 15 to 19 BrahMos missiles were fired as part of Operation Sindoor, according to reports.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier stated that the missile demonstrated during the military offensive that it has moved far beyond a trial and has become the greatest practical proof of national security. The combination of speed, accuracy, and power makes BrahMos one of the best systems in the world, the minister had then said.
Speaking about the export potential of the missile, the defence minister had said, “Whether it's the export of the BrahMos to the Philippines or cooperation with other countries in the future, India is now playing the role of a giver, not just a taker."
Singh had, in October, said the BrahMos team signed contracts worth approximately Rs 4,000 crore with two countries recently.