India and the UAE are in early discussions over a possible deal for India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Akashteer air defence system, according to Reuters sources. If completed, the deal could make the UAE one of the latest countries to acquire Indian defence technology and expand India’s presence in the Gulf arms market.
Four Indian sources said Abu Dhabi has shown interest in several Indian defence systems as it looks to strengthen its military capabilities following the recent conflict in the Middle East. The talks are still at an early stage, and there is no confirmed contract, order quantity or delivery schedule yet.
BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia, is one of the world’s fastest cruise missiles. It can be launched from land, sea and air platforms. The export version has a range of around 290 km.
For the UAE, acquiring BrahMos could add another long-range precision strike option to its existing arsenal. The country already operates advanced American defence systems, including Patriot and THAAD, as well as U.S. and French fighter aircraft and other precision weapons.
The UAE is also considering Akashteer, an automated air defence command-and-control system developed by Bharat Electronics and the Indian Army. The system is designed to combine information from different sensors and help coordinate responses to aerial threats.
The possible purchases come as Abu Dhabi seeks to diversify its defence suppliers. The UAE has traditionally depended heavily on countries such as the United States and France for military equipment. A wider supplier base could give the country greater strategic flexibility while strengthening its ties with India.
The UAE’s security concerns have increased following recent regional attacks involving missiles and drones. The country is also focused on protecting the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important maritime route for global energy supplies.
Before any BrahMos export agreement can be finalised, India would need Russia’s approval because the missile was jointly developed by the two countries. An Indian source cited by Reuters said Moscow’s approval is unlikely to become a major obstacle because of Russia’s close relations with the UAE.
India and the UAE have strengthened defence and economic ties in recent years. The two countries have signed agreements covering trade, energy and military cooperation, while discussions on joint defence production have also increased.
For India, a possible BrahMos deal with the UAE would be strategically important. It would strengthen the country’s position as an emerging defence exporter and demonstrate growing international demand for Indian-made military systems.
India’s defence exports crossed $4 billion in the financial year ending March 2026, compared with just $7.26 million in 2013-14, according to the Indian government.
Interest in BrahMos has also increased following its reported use during India’s four-day conflict with Pakistan last year. India has since signed BrahMos agreements with Vietnam and Indonesia, while countries including Thailand, South Africa, Brazil and Chile have also reportedly shown interest.
The Philippines was the first foreign buyer of BrahMos, signing a deal with India in 2022.
The reported UAE talks therefore represent another potential milestone for India’s growing defence export industry. For Abu Dhabi, the deal could provide additional strike and air defence capabilities while helping diversify its military suppliers.
