India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Begin Early Talks for BrahMos Missile and Akashteer System Export

Key facts

• India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have commenced preliminary negotiations for the supply of indigenous military systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
• The discussions also involve the potential export of the Akashteer air defence command and control system, which coordinates responses to aerial threats using data from multiple assets.
• The BrahMos missile, which can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms, is a joint development between India and Russia.
• Any export of the BrahMos system requires approval from Russia, though industry observers do not anticipate major obstacles given the existing relationship between Moscow and Abu Dhabi.
• The UAE seeks these advanced systems to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the security of maritime trade routes, specifically the Strait of Hormuz.