India is in discussions with the United Arab Emirates to export some of its key defence systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defence platform, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The talks come as the UAE accelerates efforts to expand its military procurement following recent conflict developments in West Asia.
The potential deal, which has not been publicly reported earlier, is still at an early stage but is progressing quickly, one of the sources said. Officials from both governments and the UAE foreign ministry have not yet commented on the matter.
UAE Shows Interest in Key Indian Defence Systems
Sources indicated that the UAE has expressed interest in multiple Indian-made systems, including BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia, and Akashteer, an automated air defence command-and-control system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited and the Indian Army.
BrahMos is among the fastest cruise missiles in the world and can be deployed from land, sea, and air platforms, while Akashteer is designed to integrate and coordinate air defence responses across multiple platforms.
Strategic Defence Engagement Expands
The UAE’s growing interest in Indian defence technology comes as it seeks to diversify its arms suppliers and strengthen its ability to respond to emerging regional threats. The Gulf nation has recently stepped up defence acquisitions, including agreements with South Korea and existing systems from the United States such as THAAD and Patriot missile platforms.
Experts say a broader supplier base offers the UAE greater strategic flexibility while deepening defence ties with India without straining its relationships with other global powers.
Approval Process and International Dynamics
Before any BrahMos export deal can proceed, India would require clearance from Russia, given its joint development of the missile. However, sources suggest this is unlikely to pose a major hurdle due to Moscow’s existing ties with Abu Dhabi.
Analysts also note that both BrahMos and Akashteer could meet operational needs for the UAE, particularly in strengthening integrated air defence capabilities.
India’s Growing Defence Export Push
India’s defence exports have seen a sharp rise in recent years, crossing $4 billion in the year ending March 2026, compared to just $7.26 million in 2013–14. The country has already secured BrahMos export agreements with nations such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, while several others have shown interest.
The surge in global demand is partly linked to increased visibility of Indian systems following their operational use in recent conflicts, which has drawn attention from international buyers.
India, meanwhile, continues to position its defence partnerships with countries like the UAE as part of a broader strategic alignment in a shifting geopolitical landscape, especially as regional rivalries and defence partnerships evolve across West Asia.
