UAE in talks to buy India's BrahMos, Akashteer defense systems

UAE in talks to buy India's BrahMos, Akashteer defense systems

India is in talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to sell some of its flagship defense systems, Reuters reported, citing Indian sources.

The potential deal includes the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile and the Akashteer air defense system.

The move comes as the UAE looks to bolster its military capabilities amid regional conflicts and security concerns.

If finalized, this would make the UAE the fourth foreign customer for BrahMos after the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Details of the defense systems

"UAE has shown interest for a number of our weapon systems...The talks...are at initial stages and are progressing fast," a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

The BrahMos missile, co-developed by India and Russia, is considered the world's fastest operational supersonic cruise missile. It can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms.

The Akashteer system is an automated air defense command and control system developed by India's state-run Bharat Electronics Ltd and the Indian Army.

The UAE's interest in India's defense systems

The UAE's interest in India's defense systems comes after it was heavily attacked by Iran during the recent war in the Middle East. The country is also looking to protect the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global energy exports.

Earlier this year, the UAE signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea worth more than $35 billion to enhance defense cooperation.