India's BrahMos missile programme could be heading for another major export breakthrough as reports emerge that the UAE is planning to procure the supersonic cruise missile system from India.
According to a Reuters report, the government is in talks with the UAE to sell BrahMos, one of the world's fastest cruise missiles, which can be launched from land, sea and air platforms, as well as the air defence system Akashteer.
"UAE has shown interest in a number of our weapon systems, including BrahMos and Akashteer. The talks between India and the UAE are at an initial stage and are progressing fast," Reuters quoted a source as saying.
The reports come even as the government, a few days earlier, announced record defence exports of ₹38,424 crore in the financial year 2025-26.
Akashteer is India’s fully indigenous, automated air defence control and reporting system, capable of intercepting and neutralising various inbound projectiles. The system is designed to automate the detection, tracking and engagement of enemy aircraft, drones and missiles. It integrates various radar systems, sensors and communication technologies into a single operational framework.
The talks on the procurement of the defence systems from India, according to the Reuters report, are part of the UAE's efforts to strengthen its military capabilities in the wake of the war in the Middle East.
Both sides are yet to confirm the development.
"A diversified supplier base gives the UAE more strategic autonomy, and closer ties with India have the added benefit of not antagonising the US, as the two countries remain allies," Reuters quoted Pearl Pandya, South Asia Senior Analyst at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, as saying.
A few days ago, BrahMos Aerospace Chief Jaiteerth Joshi revealed that discussions are underway with several other countries for potential exports. "We are in talks with several other countries in both eastern and western regions. Once the government approval comes, we will come out in the open forum," he had said.
Over a month ago, P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, had said discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese President To Lam had covered the possible sale and long-term maintenance of several military platforms, including the BrahMos missile system. The Reuters report, citing sources, had said Thailand, South Africa, Brazil and Chile also have shown interest in BrahMos.
Although India would require Russia's approval to export BrahMos to the UAE, given Abu Dhabi's close ties with Russia, such a deal is unlikely to face any hurdles.
It is worth noting that during the visit of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India earlier this year, the two countries signed a Letter of Intent to work together on establishing a Strategic Defence Partnership Framework Agreement and expanding defence cooperation across a number of areas, including defence industrial collaboration, defence innovation and advanced technology, training, education and doctrine, special operations and interoperability, cyberspace, counter-terrorism, and other areas of mutual interest.
