India Nears BrahMos Missile Export Deals with Vietnam and Indonesia

Defence Diplomacy Boost as BrahMos Heads to Southeast Asia

India is moving closer to finalising major defence export agreements with Vietnam and Indonesia for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile , signalling a significant expansion of New Delhi’s defence diplomacy in Southeast Asia. Valued at over ₹4,000 crore (about $450 million) , the proposed deals reflect India’s growing credibility as a supplier of advanced, high-end weapon systems to friendly nations.

Russian Clearance Paves the Way

As BrahMos is jointly developed by India and Russia , Moscow’s consent is mandatory for third-country exports. Russia has conveyed that it has no objection to India supplying the missile to Vietnam and Indonesia. This assurance was communicated during a recent delegation-level meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov . A formal no-objection certificate is awaited, after which the contracts can be concluded.

Strategic Context in Southeast Asia

Vietnam and Indonesia, like the Philippines, face growing strategic pressure due to China’s assertive posture in the South China Sea . India earlier signed a $375 million deal with the Philippines in January 2022 for three BrahMos coastal defence batteries, marking its first major missile export. Once finalised, the new agreements will make Vietnam and Indonesia the second and third ASEAN countries to induct BrahMos, strengthening regional deterrence.

BrahMos Capabilities and Indian Experience

BrahMos is an air-breathing supersonic cruise missile capable of speeds up to Mach 2.8 , with an extended range of about 450 km . It has been integrated with Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft and forms a core part of India’s conventional strike capability. Indian forces have signed contracts worth nearly ₹60,000 crore with BrahMos Aerospace over the years.

What to Note for UPSC Prelims?

• BrahMos is jointly developed by India and Russia

• Speed: ~Mach 2.8; Range: ~450 km

• Philippines was the first foreign buyer (2022)

• Extended-range 800 km variant planned from 2028

Broader Defence Export Push

Beyond BrahMos, India is offering Akash air defence systems and Pinaka rocket systems to Southeast Asia, West Asia, and Latin America. In FY 2024–25 , India exported defence equipment worth nearly ₹24,000 crore to about 80 countries , underscoring its emergence as a rising defence exporter.