Brazil eyes India's Akash system that killed Pak missiles during Op Sindoor

In what could translate to a big boost to India's defence export ambitions, Brazil has expressed keen interest in acquiring the Akash air defence system, which gained attention for its stellar performance during Operation Sindoor when Pakistani forces launched a swarm of armed drones and waves of missiles into India, targeting military and civilian areas.

Official confirmation of Brazil's interest in India-made military hardware, including the Akash missile system and Scorpene-class submarines, coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Latin American country later this week.

PM Modi has embarked on a five-nation tour, including Brazil for the 17th Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 5 to 8, along with visits to a few other Latin American nations, including Argentina.

INDIA BRAZIL DEFENCE COOPERATION IN FOCUS AS MODI ATTENDS BRICS

During a press briefing, Secretary (East) of India's Ministry of External Affairs, P Kumaran, highlighted that defence cooperation would be a key agenda during Modi's discussions with Brazilian leadership.

"There's going to be talk on defence cooperation, avenues for joint research, and training," Kumaran said on July 2.

"They (the Brazilian government) are interested in secure communications systems on the battlefield, offshore patrol vessels, partnership for maintaining their Scorpene-class submarines, Akash air defence system, coastal surveillance system and Garuda artillery guns," Kumaran added.

Kumaran also hinted at a potential joint venture, by leveraging Brazil's aerospace know-how through Embraer.

AKASH PROVED ITS METTLE IN OP SINDOOR AGAINST PAK

The Akash missile system, developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), proved its mettle during Operation Sindoor in May. India launched a military offensive targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Pakistan's counterattacks, involving China- and Turkey-made drones and missiles targeting dozens of Indian cities ranging from Srinagar to Gujarat's Bhuj, were neutralised by India's multi-layered air defence network.

The Akash system, which is an integral part of India's AI-powered Akashteer system, and also India's bigger Integrated Counter-UAS Grid (IACCS) and Air Defence systems, intercepted every threat with 100% accuracy.

Akash — a medium-range, surface-to-air missile with a range of up to 25 km — is capable of targeting aircraft and drones at supersonic speeds, and showed its ability to engage Pakistani drones and cruise missiles during Operation Sindoor.

Akash's rapid response and integration with the IACCS protected India's critical infrastructure, and earned praise for its stellar performance by killing simultaneous areal threats from Pakistan.

Brazil's interest in Akash, potentially including co-production, is in line with India's defence self-reliance ambitions and the credibility of the systems on the global scale. Modi's visit is expected to cement it further.

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