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India and UAE are in talks on exporting Indian defence systems, including the BrahMos missile and Akashteer air defence, as UAE seeks stronger military capabilities.
The Indian Army’s BrahMos missile launcher was displayed during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi this year. (Reuters photo)
The Indian government is holding discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the possible export of some of its flagship defence systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The talks also cover the potential sale of the Akashteer air defence system, as the UAE seeks to bolster its military capabilities amid heightened security concerns in West Asia. Sources said Abu Dhabi has expressed interest in multiple Indian weapon systems and that negotiations, though still in the early stages, are moving forward swiftly.
“UAE has shown interest for a number of our weapon systems including BrahMos and Akashteer. The talks between India and UAE are at initial stages and are progressing fast,” Reuters quoted a source, with direct knowledge of the matter, as saying.
The BrahMos missile, jointly produced by India and Russia, is regarded as one of the world’s fastest cruise missiles and can be deployed from land, sea and air platforms. Akashteer, meanwhile, is an indigenous automated air defence command and control system developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd in collaboration with the Indian Army.
The UAE is exploring defence purchases from India and other partners as it seeks to strengthen its security posture following Iranian attacks during the recent regional conflict and to better safeguard the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for its energy exports. Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi signed a defence cooperation memorandum with South Korea estimated to be worth over $35 billion.
“A diversified supplier base gives the UAE more strategic autonomy, and closer ties with India have the added benefit of not antagonising the US as the countries remain allies,” said Pearl Pandya, South Asia senior analyst at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, a conflict monitoring group.
According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the US was the biggest exporter of arms to the Middle East between 2021 and 2025, supplying 54% of imports, followed by Italy at 12% and France at 11%.
Any potential sale of the BrahMos missile to the UAE would require Russia’s consent, given that the 290-km-range weapon is jointly developed by India and Russia. However, one source told the media outlet that securing Moscow’s approval is unlikely to be difficult due to Russia’s strong relationship with Abu Dhabi.
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