India Eyes UAE Deal for Supersonic BrahMos in Gulf Security Push

India has entered early-stage talks with the UAE to sell the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile, marking a potential breakthrough in Gulf defence cooperation, reported news agency Reuters. The discussions also cover India’s Akashteer air defence system, with negotiations reportedly progressing quickly.

Recently, during the Tri Commissioning ceremony of INS Agray, INS Dunagiri and INS Sanshodhak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's transformation in the defence sector conveying the defense exports milestone wherein India’s defence exports have reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, supplying equipment to more than 80 countries worldwide.

India has successfully exported the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to a few countries so far, with more deals under negotiation:

• Philippines – First foreign customer. Signed a $375 million deal in 2022 for three coastal batteries. Deliveries began in 2024.
• Vietnam – Signed a landmark $629 million deal in May 2026, including training and logistics support.
• Indonesia: Deal in final stages of negotiation, expected to be signed soon. 

India–UAE BrahMos Missile Talks

Key Details

• Stage of Negotiations: Initial but advancing rapidly
• Systems Discussed: Supersonic BrahMos missile and Akashteer air defence system
• Reason for UAE Interest: Iranian attacks during Middle East war; securing the Strait of Hormuz
• India’s Position: Expanding defence exports under Act East policy
• Russia’s Role: Approval required for BrahMos exports, but unlikely to be a hurdle

Technical Highlights

• BrahMos Missile: Speed Mach 2.8–3.0; Range ~290 km (export variant); Launch platforms: land, sea, air; Jointly developed by India and Russia
• Akashteer System: Automated air defence network; Developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd and Indian Army; Integrates multiple sensors

Strategic Significance

• For UAE: Diversifies suppliers beyond U.S., Italy, France; Enhances autonomy; Complements Patriot and THAAD systems
• For India: Strengthens defence export footprint in Gulf; Builds on deals with Philippines (2022) and Vietnam (2026); Positions BrahMos as deterrent in Asia & Middle East

Comparative Snapshot of BrahMos Exports

Country	Year Signed	Value	Systems Delivered	Strategic Role
Philippines	2022	$375M	3 coastal batteries	South China Sea deterrence
Vietnam	2026	$629M	Training + logistics	Coastal defence, maritime deterrence
UAE	Talks (2026)	TBD	Negotiations ongoing	Gulf security, Strait of Hormuz protection

Risks & Challenges

• Geopolitical Sensitivity: China and Iran may view UAE’s acquisition as escalatory
• Approval Requirement: Russia’s consent mandatory
• Competition: U.S., South Korea, Europe dominate Gulf arms sales
• Past Precedents: Some Indian arms deals did not materialize. 

These defence exports are strategically significant because they extend India’s defence footprint into Southeast Asia and now potentially the Gulf region, positioning BrahMos as a preferred coastal and maritime deterrent system.