As of 22 June 2026, the United Arab Emirates is in early, fast-progressing talks with India to purchase BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the Akashteer air-defence system.
Deal Context
- UAE interest: Reported move follows aerial attacks in West Asia and aims to address identified defence gaps.
- Stage: Early negotiations; any BrahMos export would need Russian approval because the system is a bilateral development.
BrahMos: Key Facts
- Ownership: Joint venture between India and Russia (BrahMos Aerospace).
- Type: Supersonic cruise missile; launchable from land, sea and air platforms.
- Range: Current strike range over 450 km.
- Operational record: Reported combat use in May 2025 where it penetrated Pakistani air-defence systems.
- Exports & pipeline: Exported to the Philippines (2022); deals signed with Vietnam and Indonesia; interested countries include Thailand, South Africa, Brazil and Chile.
- Next-generation: Development of compact BrahMos-NG and extended-range/hypersonic variants underway (as of 22 June 2026).
Akashteer: Key Facts
- Developer: Bharat Electronics Ltd in cooperation with the Indian Army.
- Function: Fully automated, AI-driven air-defence control and reporting system.
- Capabilities: Integrates radars, sensors and communications to automate detection, tracking and engagement decisions.
- Operational record: Reported successful performance against drone swarms in May 2025.
- Export status: A UAE purchase would be the system’s first known export order if finalised.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- India defence exports: Exceeded USD 4 billion in FY ending March 2026.
- Export clearance: BrahMos exports require consent from both developer nations due to joint-development agreements.