BrahMos, Akash, Astra and more: India's missiles go global, countries line up to buy weapon systems
From Southeast Asia to West Asia, India's indigenous missile systems are finding growing acceptance in global markets, strengthening the country's position as an emerging defence exporter.
India's defence export ambitions are gathering momentum as its indigenous missile systems attract increasing international interest. The latest breakthrough came on Monday with India announcing that it will supply the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile to Indonesia, marking another milestone in New Delhi's efforts to expand its defence exports.
The deal adds Indonesia to a growing list of countries either operating, procuring or exploring India's missile systems. With exports now spanning Southeast Asia and discussions extending into West Asia, India is steadily emerging as a credible supplier of advanced defence platforms.
Indonesia joins the list
Indonesia is set to become one of the latest recipients of Indian missile systems, with New Delhi agreeing to export both the BrahMos cruise missile and the Astra air-to-air missile. The agreement deepens strategic ties between the two Indo-Pacific partners while expanding India's defence footprint in the region.
More from BusinessPhilippines: The first overseas buyer
The Philippines became the first foreign customer for the BrahMos missile after signing a contract worth nearly $375 million in 2022. The deal marked India's entry into the global missile export market and remains one of the country's biggest defence export successes.
Vietnam signs up
Vietnam has also signed a deal to acquire the BrahMos missile, further strengthening defence cooperation with India and reinforcing New Delhi's strategic engagement in Southeast Asia.
UAE in talks
India is also in discussions with the United Arab Emirates for the export of the BrahMos missile and the Akashteer air-defence command-and-control system. A successful agreement would mark a significant expansion of India's defence exports into the West Asian market.
Russia may induct BrahMos
In a notable development, Russia, India's partner in the joint development of the BrahMos missile, is reportedly considering inducting the system into its own armed forces. Such a move would further reinforce the missile's growing international credibility.
A growing global footprint
The BrahMos missile has attracted renewed global attention following its demonstrated capabilities during Operation Sindoor, India's counter-terror operation against Pakistan. Its supersonic speed, precision-strike capability and ability to be launched from land, sea, air and submarines have made it one of India's flagship defence exports.
While the order book continues to grow, analysts say India's long-term success as a defence exporter will depend not only on the performance of its missile systems but also on its ability to provide maintenance, training, logistics and lifecycle support comparable to established global defence suppliers.
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