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India's push for BrahMos missile exports is part of Delhi's focus to become a net exporter and manufacturer of defence products.

From Brahmos missile export to the Philippines, to Akash missile export to Armenia, India has been pushing the envelope on defence exports.

It aligns with the larger goal of "Atma Nirbharta" (self-reliance initiative) in defense, reduction of dependency on imports while promoting indigenous technology & showcases capability in manufacturing advanced weaponry.

The BrahMos Missile The supersonic cruise missile developed through a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

Named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, BrahMos is known for its speed (Mach 2.8 to 3.0), making it one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles globally.

It can carry a 300 kg warhead and is designed for land, sea, and air-launch capabilities.

After India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016, the range of the missile system has been extended from the initial 290 km to approximately 450–600 km, with plans for further enhancements.

History In February 1998, India's missile technologist & future President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Russia's first deputy defence minister NV Mikhailov signed an inter-government agreement in Moscow. It paved the way for BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL), the joint venture between India's DRDO & Russia's NPOM.

The aim was to design, develop and manufacture supersonic cruise missile system-Brahmos.

As per the pact, the 2 sides will jointly develop and produce missiles, with India holding a 50.5% share and Russia, the other 49.5% share in the JV.

The first successful launch of Brahmos took place on June 12th, 2001.

The missile was test fired from its land based launcher at the interim test range off the Chandipur coast in Odisha.

Brahmos was displayed at the MAKS-1 exhibition in Moscow for the first time in 2001.

Export Initiatives
Philippines In 2022, India secured its first international deal for BrahMos missiles, signing a contract with the Philippines worth $375 million for shore-based anti-ship missile systems.

This was a landmark achievement, marking India's largest defense export contract to date. Earlier this year, Philippines ambassador to India Josel Francisco Ignacio told WION, "BrahMos is significant in the sense that it provides the Philippines credible deterrence".

He explained that his country has been "modernizing armed forces and have been trying to build credible deterrence and BrahMos gives an important start to that ongoing journey. It's an important element of this ongoing journey."

He termed the acquisition a "milestone for the Philippines in terms of Armed Forces modernization and defense, credible defense, but also a recognition of India's Defense Industry, defense capability, and its increasing defense footprint, as well as its overall goal of trying to be a responsible player in the international community."

The first batch of missiles was delivered to the Philippines on 19 April 2024 via an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft and the contract includes three BrahMos Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System (SBASM) batteries, mobile autonomous launchers, command-and-control systems.

Vietnam India, Vietnam are closer than ever to sign a $700 million Brahmos missile system deal as both sides plug in more procedural details.

The deal could be signed as early as in a couple of months and it is learnt that the initial techno-commercial details have already been shared & discussed by the Vietnamese Defence Ministry, it is learnt. Orders are expected from both the Vietnamese Army & Navy.

BrahMos missile is developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a collaboration between India's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

If this materialises, then Vietnam will be the 2nd country after the Philippines to purchase BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from India.

Vietnam, it is understood, has been waiting for some time for the draft agreement which includes final deal amount, delivery timeline, payment terms etc from BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL).

Other Countries
Indonesia
Interest has been shown by several other nations, including in South East Asia, like Indonesia. India, and Indonesia have held talks on Brahmos. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is expected to be the chief guest at India's Republic day in January 2024 and with defence being one of the key pillars of ties, conversation on Brahmos may come up, though as of now the agenda is not known. President Subianto's visit is part of the high level engagement with ASEAN countries as India marks 10 years of Act East Policy.

The Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi was in the country earlier this month.

UAE
Managing Co-Director Alexander Maksichev speaking to Russia's TASS in November said UAE has also shown interest in procuring Brahmos. He told Tass, "Talks are being held with Indonesia, Vietnam, and the [United Arab] Emirates.

These are the countries showing interest in the first instance".India & UAE have also increased defence engagement, especially with the elevation of ties to "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership".

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visited the UAE, focusing on maritime security, training cooperation.

There's been an increase in joint exercises, including naval, air, and army engagements.

Other countries who have show interest include Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Oman, Chile, Venezuela, Brunei

Domestic focus The system is in service with the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.

The Indian Army inducted the BrahMos missile system in 2007, making it the first army globally to operate a supersonic cruise missile regiment. Right now, five regiments are operational with deployments in strategic locations.

The Indian Navy has integrated BrahMos missiles since 2005, equipping destroyers, frigates, and corvettes for anti-ship and land-attack missions. In February 2024, the Navy secured a major BrahMos procurement deal worth ₹19,000 crore, involving over 200 extended-range missiles.

The BrahMos air-launched variant has been integrated with Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, enabling precision strikes.

A lighter and more compact version, BrahMos-NG, is under development to broaden deployment options across platforms, including smaller fighter jets and naval vessels.

Geopolitical Influence Brahmos missile can do what Bayraktar drones did for Turkiye.

Give that diplomatic edge, and geopolitical influence.

The Bayraktar TB2 drone, manufactured by Baykar whose combat capabilities has been tested from Syria to Nagorno-Karabakh has allowed Turkiye to forge or strengthen alliances and partnerships. Brahmos can help Delhi to strengthen military partnerships with countries as it increases its defence capabilities.