Khaberni - Reuters reported that India is in discussions with the UAE about selling several of its leading defense systems, including the supersonic missile "BrahMos" and the "Akashteer" air defense system.
The agency quoted four Indian sources as saying that the UAE has shown interest in a range of advanced Indian weapons systems, primarily the "BrahMos" missile and the "Akashteer" air defense system, noting that the talks between the two sides are still in their initial stages, but they are progressing rapidly.
India and Russia collaborated on the development of the "BrahMos" missile, which is among the world’s fastest cruise missiles capable of being launched from land, sea, and air platforms. "Akashteer", on the other hand, is a fully automated air defense system developed by the state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited in collaboration with the Indian Army.
The sources stated that any potential deal to export BrahMos missiles to the UAE would require prior Russian approval as it is a partner in the development of these missiles, which have a range of about 290 kilometers. However, one of the sources excluded that this would pose an obstacle given the close relations between Moscow and Abu Dhabi.
Defense experts stated that the "Akashteer" system would help integrate information from other devices to counter any aerial threats.
The close relations between India and the UAE in recent years have led to a series of deals in trade, energy, and an agreement to participate in the development of military hardware.
According to Reuters, the ongoing talks to sell the two leading Indian weapon systems are further evidence of shifting alliances in the region.
Two Indian sources informed the agency that the four-day war last year between India and Pakistan, during which New Delhi used weapon systems including BrahMos missiles for the first time in battle, sparked interest from other countries.
Since then, India has signed agreements to sell BrahMos missiles to Vietnam and Indonesia. The sources also mentioned that it has received offers from Thailand, South Africa, Brazil, and Chile.
The only previous deal for selling BrahMos missiles was to the Philippines in 2022.
Simon Weisman, a senior researcher in the Arms Transfer Program at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, said that both the "BrahMos" missile and "Akashteer" system can meet the needs of the UAE, even with increasing international competition in arms sales to Gulf countries and the UAE dealing with other suppliers.
It should be noted that exports of Indian defense industries rose to over four billion dollars in the fiscal year ending March 2026, compared to only 7.26 million dollars in fiscal year 2013-2014, according to government data.
