UAE eyes world’s fastest cruise missile: India holds BrahMos, Akashteer deal talks with Abu Dhabi – report

NEW DELHI: India is in talks with the United Arab Emirates to sell some of its flagship defence systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defence network, in a move that could make the Gulf nation the latest international customer for India’s most sought-after military exports, Reuters reported citing Indian sources.If the deal materialises, the UAE would become the fourth foreign country to acquire the BrahMos missile system after the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia, is widely regarded as the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missile.

According to Reuters, discussions between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi are at an early stage but are progressing rapidly as the UAE looks to strengthen its military capabilities following the recent conflict in the Middle East and growing concerns over regional security.“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,” a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.The negotiations also include the potential sale of Akashteer, India’s indigenous automated air defence command and control system developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Ltd, Reuters reported.

Neither Indian officials nor the UAE foreign ministry responded to Reuters’ requests for comment.BrahMos can be launched from land, sea and air platforms and is capable of striking targets at supersonic speeds. Before any sale to the UAE can be finalised, India would require Russia’s approval because the missile is jointly developed by the two countries. One source told Reuters that Moscow’s close ties with Abu Dhabi are unlikely to create hurdles for the deal.The UAE’s interest comes as Gulf nations reassess their defence requirements following recent regional conflicts. According to Reuters, the country is also seeking to enhance security around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy exports.Pearl Pandya, South Asia senior analyst at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), told Reuters that the move reflects Abu Dhabi’s desire to diversify its defence suppliers.“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,” she said.According to Reuters, the talks underscore deepening strategic ties between India and the UAE, which have expanded cooperation in trade, energy and defence in recent years. The discussions are also being viewed in New Delhi as part of a broader effort to strengthen partnerships in the Gulf amid shifting regional alignments.The potential deal comes as India’s defence exports continue to surge. Government data cited by Reuters showed that India’s defence exports crossed $4 billion in the financial year ending March 2026, up from just $7.26 million in 2013-14.Reuters also reported that India’s successful operational use of BrahMos during last year’s conflict with Pakistan boosted international interest in the missile system. Apart from Vietnam and Indonesia, countries including Thailand, South Africa, Brazil and Chile have also expressed interest in acquiring the weapon, according to Indian sources cited by Reuters.