UAE seeks to buy BrahMos, Akashteer to boost post-Middle East war defence

As the UAE moves to bolster its defence capabilities following the Iran war, it has initiated early-stage talks with India to acquire the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defence system.

In Short

• UAE seeks to boost military after recent Middle East conflict
• India, UAE discuss sale of BrahMos missile, Akashteer air defence system
• India's defence exports surge, with growing global interest

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are in discussions over the potential sale of some of India's flagship defence systems to the Gulf country, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defence system, sources said on Monday.

The early-stage talks come as the Gulf nation seeks to strengthen its military capabilities following the recent conflict in the Middle East and amid evolving regional security dynamics.

According to sources, discussions include the possible export of Akashteer, India's fully automated air defence command-and-control system developed by state-run Bharat Electronics Ltd in collaboration with the Indian Army. Another source familiar with the negotiations said the UAE has expressed interest in multiple Indian weapons platforms.

"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," a source said.

Neither the government nor the UAE administration has responded to the developments.

UAE LOOKING TO STRENGTHEN DEFENCES

The UAE has been reassessing its defence procurement strategy after facing missile and drone threats during the recent regional conflict among Iran, Israel and the US. The country is also seeking to enhance the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway through which a significant portion of its energy exports passes.

The move reflects Abu Dhabi's broader strategy of diversifying its defence suppliers while strengthening its ability to counter emerging aerial threats. Earlier this year, the UAE signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea aimed at expanding defence cooperation, with agreements expected to exceed USD 35 billion (Rs 3.3 lakh crore).

According to analysts, a diversified supplier base gives the UAE greater strategic autonomy, while closer ties with India carry the added benefit of not antagonising the United States, as both countries remain US allies.

BRAHMOS, AKASHTEER AMONG INDIA'S FLAGSHIP SYSTEMS

The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is regarded as one of the world's fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles. It can be launched from land, sea and air platforms and has an export range of around 290 km.

Because the missile is jointly developed with Russia, any export to the UAE would require Moscow's approval. One source told Reuters that Russian clearance is unlikely to become a hurdle given Moscow's close relationship with Abu Dhabi.

Akashteer, meanwhile, is an integrated air defence system designed to automatically process battlefield information from multiple sensors and weapon platforms, enabling faster detection and engagement of aerial threats. Defence experts say the system complements existing missile defence assets by integrating surveillance and response mechanisms.

The UAE already operates advanced US-made defence systems, including the THAAD and Patriot missile defence systems, as well as the MGM-168 ATACMS ballistic missile with a maximum range of 300 km. Analysts believe Akashteer could enhance coordination among these systems.

STRATEGIC TIES DRIVING DEFENCE COOPERATION

The defence discussions come amid rapidly expanding strategic ties between India and the UAE. Over the past few years, the two countries have signed multiple agreements covering trade, energy, investment and defence manufacturing, including a pact to jointly develop military hardware.

According to two government sources, the proposed defence sales also reflect New Delhi's broader strategic objective of deepening its partnership with Abu Dhabi at a time when Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have strengthened defence cooperation.

"The growing ties must also be understood against the backdrop of wider regional geopolitical dynamics, in particular the competition between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi for regional leadership. Expanded defence ties between India and the UAE essentially serve as a form of strategic signalling, allowing both countries to showcase the strength and depth of their partnerships," Pearl Pandya, an expert in armed conflict in South Asia, was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.

INDIA'S DEFENCE EXPORTS GAINING MOMENTUM

India's defence exports have accelerated sharply in recent years under the government's push to expand indigenous defence manufacturing. According to official figures, defence exports crossed USD 4 billion (Rs 37,868 crores) in the financial year ending March 2026, compared with just USD 7.26 million (Rs 68 crore) in 2013-14.

Government sources told Reuters that Operation Sindoor in May last year, during which India used the BrahMos missile in combat for the first time against Pakistan, has further boosted international interest in Indian weapon systems.

India has since signed agreements to export BrahMos missiles to Vietnam and Indonesia, while countries including Thailand, South Africa, Brazil and Chile have also expressed interest. The Philippines remains the first and only country to have received the BrahMos under a deal signed in 2022.

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the United States remained the largest arms supplier to the Middle East between 2021 and 2025, accounting for 54 per cent of regional imports, followed by Italy with 12 per cent and France with 11 per cent.

Despite becoming an increasingly important exporter, India also remains the world's second-largest arms importer, accounting for more than 8 per cent of global arms imports, according to SIPRI.

- Ends
With inputs from Reuters