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India Poised to Strengthen Missile Exports with Potential BrahMos Deal in Vietnam.
India is on the brink of a milestone in its ambition to emerge as a major missile exporter, with a $700 million agreement to supply BrahMos missile systems to Vietnam. This initiative aligns with India's broader strategy to promote self-reliance in defense, reduce dependency on imports, and showcase indigenous technological capabilities. It also reflects New Delhi's growing role as a provider of advanced defense solutions on the global stage.
The deal, expected to be finalized in the coming months, is anticipated to include missile systems for both the Vietnamese Army and Navy (Picture source: Indian MoD)
The BrahMos missile, known for its supersonic speed of Mach 2.8 to 3.0, is the result of collaboration between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. Its name, derived from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, symbolizes this Indo-Russian partnership. Designed for versatility, the missile can carry a 300 kg payload and be deployed from land, sea, and air platforms. Since India joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016, the missile's range has been extended from 290 km to 450–600 km, with further enhancements in progress.
The BrahMos project originated in 1998 through an intergovernmental agreement signed in Moscow by Indian scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Russian Deputy Defense Minister NV Mikhailov. This collaboration led to the establishment of BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture in which India holds a 50.5% stake. The first successful launch of the missile occurred in 2001, marking a pivotal advancement in India’s defense capabilities. BrahMos has since been integrated into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with tailored versions for each service.
In 2022, the Philippines became the first international customer of BrahMos systems, signing a $375 million contract to acquire the missiles. Delivered in 2024, these systems have been incorporated into the Philippines' coastal defense to safeguard its territorial waters, particularly in the South China Sea. This agreement underscored India’s growing reputation in the global defense market.
Vietnam is now on track to become the second foreign customer for BrahMos, with discussions between the two nations reaching an advanced stage. The deal, expected to be finalized in the coming months, is anticipated to include missile systems for both the Vietnamese Army and Navy. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move for Vietnam, particularly given ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.
Simultaneously, other countries such as Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates have expressed interest in acquiring BrahMos systems, expanding the potential export market for India. If these negotiations succeed, they could position India as a leading supplier of advanced missile systems in Asia, enhancing its competitiveness in the global arms industry.
The anticipated agreement between India and Vietnam represents a significant step in strengthening defense ties between the two nations. It highlights India's commitment to advancing its defense industry and leveraging its technological achievements to contribute to the regional security architecture. This development underscores New Delhi's ability to influence military dynamics in Asia and beyond through strategic partnerships and defense innovation.