delhi is working to become a net exporter and maker of defence items, which includes pushing for the export of BrahMos missiles.
india has been in the forefront of defence exports, from Brahmos rockets to the philippines to akash missiles to Armenia. It supports the broader objectives of "Atma Nirbharta" (the self-reliance drive) in defence, reducing reliance on imports while fostering domestic technology, and demonstrating capacity to produce cutting-edge weapons.The BrahMos Missile: Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) collaborated to create the supersonic cruise missile. Known for its speed (Mach 2.8 to 3.0), BrahMos—named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers—is among the world's fastest supersonic cruise missiles. It is built for air, sea, and land launches and has a 300 kg warhead capacity. The missile system's range has increased from its original 290 km to roughly 450–600 km since india joined the Missile technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016, with plans for additional improvements.Why did Sukhbir Singh Badal, a politician from Punjab, conduct penance outside the Golden Temple? For what reason was he punished?
Past: An intergovernmental agreement was signed in moscow in february 1998 between Russia's first deputy defence minister, NV Mikhailov, and India's missile engineer, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who would later become the nation's president. BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL), a joint venture between Russia's NPOM and India's DRDO, was made possible by it. Designing, creating, and manufacturing the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile system was the goal. According to the agreement, russia and india collaborated to design and construct missiles, with russia owning a 49.5% stake and india a 50.5% part. Brahmos was successfully launched for the first time on june 12, 2001. At the temporary test range off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha, the missile was fired from its land-based launcher. The first time Brahmos was shown was in 2001 during the MAKS-1 exhibition in Moscow.
Philippine Export Initiatives: In 2022, india signed a $375 million contract with the philippines for shore-based anti-ship missile systems, marking its first foreign agreement for BrahMos missiles. This was a significant accomplishment, as it was India's biggest defence export deal to date. "BrahMos is significant in that it provides the philippines with credible deterrence," Josel Francisco Ignacio, the ambassador of the philippines to india, told WION earlier this year.He explained that his country has been "modernizing armed forces and has 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 modernisation and defence, credible defence, but also a recognition of India's Defence Industry, defence capability, and its increasing defence footprint, as well as its overall goal of trying to be a responsible player in the international community."
Three BrahMos Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System (SBASM) batteries, transportable autonomous launchers, and command-and-control systems are included in the contract; the first shipment of missiles was delivered to the philippines on april 19, 2024, using an indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
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Vietnam: As both countries fill in more procedural details, india and vietnam are getting closer than ever to signing a $700 million Brahmos missile system deal. According to reports, the Vietnamese Defence Ministry has already discussed and shared the first techno-commercial specifics, and the deal might be finalised as soon as a few months from now. Both the Vietnamese army and Navy are likely to issue orders.
Should this come to pass, vietnam will become the second nation after the philippines to acquire India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. It is claimed that vietnam has been waiting for the draft agreement from BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL) for a while. This agreement covers the final transaction value, delivery schedule, payment terms, and other details.
Other NationsSeveral other countries, including those in South east Asia, have expressed interest in Indonesia. Discussions on Brahmos have taken place between indonesia and India. Since defence is one of the main foundations of ties, discussion on Brahmos may come up when Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to be the primary guest at India's Republic Day in january 2025. However, the agenda is currently unknown. As india commemorates ten years of the Act east Policy, President Subianto's visit is a component of the high-level engagement with ASEAN nations. Earlier this month, Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, the head of the indian Navy, visited the nation.Speaking to Russia's TASS in November, uae Managing Co-Director Alexander Maksichev stated that the uae has expressed interest in acquiring Brahmos as well. "We are having discussions with vietnam, indonesia, and the [United Arab] Emirates," he informed Tass. In the first place, they are the nations demonstrating interest. The uae and india have also stepped up their defence cooperation, particularly after their relations were upgraded to "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the chief of the indian Navy, visited the United Arab Emirates with an emphasis on training cooperation and maritime security. Joint exercises involving army, air, and naval engagements have increased.
Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Oman, Chile, Venezuela, and brunei are among the other nations that have expressed interest.
Domestic focus: The indian army, indian Navy, and indian Air Force all use the system. The indian army became the first army in the world to run a supersonic cruise missile regiment in 2007 when it introduced the BrahMos missile system. Five regiments are now in service and deployed in key areas.
. Since 2005, the indian Navy has equipped destroyers, frigates, and corvettes with BrahMos missiles for use in land-attack and anti-shipping tasks. Over 200 long-range missiles were part of a significant BrahMos acquisition deal worth ₹19,000 crore that the Navy acquired in february 2024. Precision strikes are now possible thanks to the integration of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets with the air-launched BrahMos version. In order to expand deployment possibilities across platforms, such as smaller fighter jets and naval boats, a lighter and more compact variant, BrahMos-NG, is currently being developed.
Geopolitical Influence: Brahmos missiles can provide Turkiye with the same diplomatic advantage and geopolitical clout that Bayraktar drones provided. Through the Baykar-made Bayraktar TB2 drone, whose combat capabilities have been tested from syria to Nagorno-Karabakh, Turkiye has been able to establish or fortify relationships and alliances. As delhi improves its defence capabilities, Brahmos can assist it in fortifying military connections with other nations.
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