Four Indian sources told Reuters that India and the United Arab Emirates are in talks over the sale of some of India’s most advanced defense systems, including the BrahMos hypersonic cruise missile. The discussions are taking place as Gulf countries, following the recent war with Iran, have intensified efforts to strengthen their defense capabilities.
One informed source directly involved in the negotiations said on Monday that the UAE has expressed interest in several Indian defense systems, including the BrahMos missile and the “Akashteer” system. According to the source, the talks are still at an early stage, but their progress has been described as rapid.
The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is considered one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world and is capable of being launched from land, sea, and air. The Akashteer system is a fully automated air defense system designed and manufactured through collaboration between the state-owned company Bharat Electronics Limited and the Indian Army.
According to informed sources, following extensive Iranian strikes during the recent conflict, the UAE is exploring various options to procure defense equipment from India and other countries in order to enhance its capabilities against emerging threats.
Protecting the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the UAE’s energy exports, has also been cited as another factor encouraging Abu Dhabi to strengthen its defense systems.
Earlier this year, the UAE also signed a defense cooperation memorandum of understanding with South Korea, valued at more than $35 billion.
Since the BrahMos missile is a joint India–Russia product, any export to the UAE would require approval from Moscow. However, one source said that given Russia’s close relations with the UAE, this is not expected to pose a major obstacle to finalizing a deal.
Relations between India and the UAE have expanded significantly in recent years. The two countries have signed multiple agreements in trade, energy, and joint development of military equipment.
Two Indian government sources told Reuters that the ongoing negotiations for the sale of these advanced systems reflect shifting geopolitical balances in the region. According to them, India views expanding defense cooperation with the UAE as a way to create a counterbalance to the recent defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
The sources also noted that the four-day war last year between India and Pakistan, in which India deployed systems including the BrahMos missile for the first time in combat, has drawn international attention to the weapon.
Following that conflict, India signed BrahMos export contracts with Vietnam and Indonesia, and has also received expressions of interest from countries such as Thailand, South Africa, Brazil, and Chile.
Previously, the only export contract for the BrahMos missile was concluded in 2022 with the Philippines.
According to Indian government figures, the country’s defense exports exceeded $4 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2026, a significant increase from just $7.26 million in 2013–2014.
Despite this sharp growth in exports, India remains the world’s second-largest importer of arms, accounting for more than 8% of global arms imports.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
