India Eyes Major Defence Export To Brazil With Battle-Tested Akash Missile System

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 21:34 IST

Sources indicate that both sides have committed to continuing the dialogue, signalling a strong possibility of an accord

India and Brazil had 'forward-looking discussions on issues pertaining to Defence Cooperation with a focus on expanding Military to Military Cooperation and Defence Industrial Collaboration'. File pic/PTI

India is leveraging the proven prowess of its indigenous Akash missile system in a high-stakes pitch to Brazil, aiming for a significant defence export deal that could deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations, sources have told CNN-News18. The discussions, held between Indian Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and the Vice President and Defence Minister of Brazil, reportedly centred on Brazil’s keen interest in acquiring the medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence system. Sources indicate that both sides have committed to continuing the dialogue, signalling a strong possibility of an accord that would mark a major milestone for India’s self-reliance in defence.

The Akash system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is designed to protect vulnerable areas, points, and assets from a range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and helicopters. It is a fully mobile system, effective at engaging multiple targets simultaneously with a kill probability of up to 99% with a salvo of two missiles. Its sophisticated Rajendra radar can track numerous targets and guide multiple missiles concurrently.

A key factor bolstering India’s proposal is the missile’s recent, exceptional performance during Operation Sindoor. According to military accounts, the Akash system proved its operational maturity by successfully neutralising waves of aerial threats and drone intrusions, showcasing its high jamming immunity and rapid response time in a real-world, high-stress scenario. This battle-tested validation makes the Akash an incredibly attractive and cost-effective solution for nations like Brazil, which are modernising their air defence capabilities.

For Brazil, the Akash system represents a leap in defensive technology, offering a robust, all-weather solution for the Medium/High Altitude Air Defence Artillery System project. A statement by the Indian side said the two countries had “forward-looking discussions on issues pertaining to Defence Cooperation with a focus on expanding Military to Military Cooperation and Defence Industrial Collaboration". A potential government-to-government (G2G) deal for the Akash would not just be a commercial transaction but a strategic alignment, reinforcing South-South cooperation and India’s growing stature as a reliable global defence exporter, following a successful precedent with Armenia. The ongoing discussions position the Akash system as a powerful symbol of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative on the international stage.

Akash Sharma

Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin...Read More

Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin...

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News world India Eyes Major Defence Export To Brazil With Battle-Tested Akash Missile System

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