The Indian government is in discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the potential sale of several major defence systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. According to media reports, the UAE has expressed interest in key Indian defence missiles such as the BrahMos missile and the Akashteer air defence network. If finalised, the UAE would become the fourth foreign country to acquire the BrahMos missile.
The talks come as four Indian sources told Reuters that the Gulf country is increasing its arms procurement efforts following the recent war in the Middle East. According to a Reuters report, negotiations are still in their early phases but are being actively expedited.
"The UAE has shown interest in a number of our weapon systems, including BrahMos and Akashteer. The talks between India and the UAE are at initial stages and are progressing fast," said a third source with direct knowledge of the matter to news agency Reuters.
Alongside BrahMos, the UAE has reportedly also expressed interest in India’s Akashteer Air Defence Command and Control System. Developed by the Indian Army in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited, the system is designed to automatically detect, track, and coordinate responses to aerial threats by integrating multiple defence inputs into a unified network.
However, officials from both the Indian and the UAE foreign ministries have not responded to requests for comment.
world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles: BrahMos
The BrahMos missile is jointly developed by India and Russia. It can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms and is capable of striking targets at supersonic speeds. Defence experts describe it as one of the fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles in the world.
However, any export agreement involving BrahMos requires approval from Russia due to its joint development structure. Reports suggest that given the strong Russia-UAE relationship, significant obstacles to approval are unlikely.
Akashteer is a fully automated air defence system developed by India’s state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BAJE.NS) and the Indian Army. It is designed to integrate and process information from multiple sensors and systems to coordinate responses to aerial threats.
The report adds that the UAE is considering purchasing defence equipment from India and other suppliers after facing heavy attacks attributed to Iran during the conflict, while also strengthening its capacity to counter emerging threats. It is also focused on safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for its energy exports.
The UAE already operates the US-made MGM-168 ATACMS ballistic missile system, which has a range of up to 300 km, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Its air defence arsenal also includes advanced US systems such as THAAD and Patriot batteries.
Although Akashteer would help integrate data from various sensors and systems to improve coordination in responding to aerial threats, defence experts said.
India’s defence exports continue to grow
India’s defence exports have reached record levels in recent years. Government data shows they crossed the 4 billion dollars mark in the financial year ending March 2026, a dramatic rise from just $7.26 million in 2013–14.
The report also highlights growing global interest in BrahMos following its reported use during last year’s conflict with Pakistan. Countries including Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, South Africa, Brazil, and Chile have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the missile system.
( With inputs from Reuters )