India in Talks With UAE Over Possible Defence Systems Sale
- Jun 22
- 2 min read
NEW DELHI, June 22 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - India is in talks with the United Arab Emirates over the possible sale of several flagship defence systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, four Indian sources told Reuters.
The discussions include the potential sale of India’s Akashteer air defence system, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
The talks are at an initial stage and are progressing quickly, one source with direct knowledge of the discussions told Reuters.
BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia, is among the world’s fastest cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea and air platforms. Akashteer is a fully automated air defence system developed by India’s state-run Bharat Electronics Ltd and the Indian Army.
The UAE is considering defence equipment from India and other suppliers as it increases arms procurement following the war in the Middle East and seeks to strengthen its ability to respond to emerging threats. The country also needs to protect the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for its energy exports.
Earlier this year, the UAE signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea to promote defence cooperation that would be worth more than $35 billion.
Any BrahMos sale to the UAE would require Russia’s approval because the missile was jointly developed. One source said this was unlikely to be an obstacle because of Moscow’s close ties with Abu Dhabi.
The talks come as India’s defence exports continue to grow. India’s defence exports rose to more than $4 billion in the year ending March 2026, from $7.26 million in 2013-14, according to the Indian government.
India has already sold BrahMos missiles to the Philippines and has signed deals to sell the system to Vietnam and Indonesia, Reuters reported.
Source: Reuters.
