New Delhi, India (Agencies): The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, developed by India in collaboration with Russia, is garnering interest from new global buyers, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was disclosed by Alexander Maksichev, Co-Director of BrahMos Aerospace, to the Russian news agency TASS.
“Talks are being held with Indonesia, Vietnam, and the UAE,” Maksichev stated, confirming these nations are leading discussions for potential contracts. The BrahMos missile, already operational in the Indian Armed Forces, has found its first international buyer in the Philippines, which secured a US$375 million contract in January 2022.
The missile is praised for its versatility and precision, aligning with India’s ambition to become a significant defense exporter. The Indian government has listed several “friendly nations” as potential buyers, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa. The list has since expanded to countries like Algeria, Greece, and Malaysia.
As discussions continue with Vietnam, Indonesia, and the UAE, BrahMos is poised to secure new export contracts, strengthening India’s position in the international defense market. India aims to expand its defense footprint, advance strategic partnerships, and achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
This shift in global defense procurement strategies has been driven by traditional arms-producing nations like Russia and the United States, facing overstretched production lines due to conflicts. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the risks of over-reliance on a single supplier, prompting countries to diversify their defense supplier base.
The UAE has historically depended on Western arms manufacturers, but stricter export controls and evolving aerial threats have led to a rethinking of procurement policies. Countries like China, Turkey, and South Korea have capitalized on this shift, offering competitive defense solutions under more flexible terms. The UAE’s interest in acquiring Chinese Wing Loong II drones and South Korea’s K-239 Chunmoo multiple-launch rocket systems exemplifies this trend.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its defense procurement strategy. Traditionally reliant on the United States, Saudi Arabia is exploring alternatives to enhance self-reliance, aligning with its Vision 2030 plan. Recent developments include a US$3 billion deal with Turkey for AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicles and a US$120 million agreement to establish weapons-manufacturing facilities within the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia is also eyeing participation in developing the next-generation fighter jet. On November 27, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani revealed that Saudi Arabia will likely join the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a collaboration between Italy, Britain, and Japan to develop a state-of-the-art frontline fighter.
While Japan’s approval of Riyadh’s entry into GCAP remains uncertain, the program’s expansion underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambitions. Leading defense firms like Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries drive the project, aiming to have the aircraft operational by the mid-2030s.