BrahMos To Akash: Indian Missiles That Found Buyers Across The Globe

Last Updated:July 07, 2026, 12:54 IST

India and Indonesia signed agreements for the export of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile during PM Modi's visit to Jakarta.

India’s ambition to become a major defence exporter is no longer limited to selling patrol vessels, radars or artillery systems. It is now increasingly exporting some of its most advanced missile systems, marking a significant shift for a country that was once among the world’s largest arms importers. The latest breakthrough came on Monday when India and Indonesia signed agreements for the export of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta. The deal, announced alongside a broader strategic partnership, makes Indonesia one of the latest countries to induct Indian missile technology into its armed forces.

The Indonesia agreement adds to a growing list of countries buying or operating Indian missile systems, reflecting New Delhi’s push to become a reliable defence supplier in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

BrahMos: India’s Biggest Missile Export Success

The BrahMos has emerged as India’s flagship defence export. Jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, the missile is among the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles, capable of speeds approaching Mach 3. It can be launched from land, sea, submarines and aircraft, and is designed to strike both naval and land targets with high precision.

Philippines: India’s First BrahMos Export

The Philippines became the first foreign buyer of the BrahMos in January 2022 after signing a $375 million deal. The agreement covers three shore-based anti-ship missile batteries, mobile autonomous launchers, radar systems, command-and-control vehicles, and integrated logistics and training.

India delivered the first batch in April 2024, marking the country’s first-ever export of the BrahMos system. The missiles are being deployed by the Philippine Marine Corps to strengthen coastal defence amid tensions in the South China Sea.

Vietnam Joins The Club

Vietnam has also signed a deal worth approximately $620 million for the BrahMos, making it another Southeast Asian customer for the missile. The purchase significantly boosts Hanoi’s coastal deterrence capabilities and fits into India’s broader effort to deepen strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

Indonesia The Latest Buyer

Indonesia has now signed an agreement to procure the BrahMos as part of a broader defence package announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.

The discussions had centred on the deal including phased deliveries, infrastructure, maintenance and training. The BrahMos will strengthen Indonesia’s maritime defence capabilities across its vast archipelago, particularly around key sea lanes.

Other Countries Showing Interest

Interest in the BrahMos continues to expand beyond Southeast Asia. Countries including the United Arab Emirates are in discussions with New Delhi over a possible purchase, while several other nations have reportedly expressed interest.

Akash: India’s First Exported Air-Defence Missile System

While BrahMos has dominated headlines, the Akash surface-to-air missile system has become India’s first major indigenous air-defence missile to secure an overseas customer.

Developed by DRDO and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Akash can engage fighter aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones at medium ranges. The newer Akash-1S variant features an indigenous seeker for improved terminal guidance.

Armenia Became The First Buyer

Armenia signed a deal worth around $230 million for the Akash weapon system, becoming the first country to import it. Deliveries began in late 2024, with additional batteries following in 2025. The purchase forms part of Armenia’s effort to diversify defence imports beyond traditional suppliers.

The Akash has also attracted interest from countries including the Philippines and Egypt, although no additional export contracts have yet been publicly concluded.

Astra: India’s First Exported Indigenous Air-to-Air Missile

The Astra represents another milestone for India’s defence industry.

Developed by DRDO, Astra is an indigenous beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile capable of engaging enemy aircraft at ranges exceeding 100 kilometres, depending on the launch profile. Until now, Astra had only equipped the Indian Air Force. Indonesia’s decision to procure the missile marks its first known export.

According to Indian officials, the missiles will be integrated onto Indonesia’s Russian-origin Sukhoi fighter aircraft, expanding bilateral defence cooperation beyond naval systems.

India’s Big Defence Export Push

Missile exports form part of a wider transformation in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Over the past decade, India has steadily expanded exports of artillery systems, radars, armoured vehicles, naval platforms, electronic warfare systems and ammunition alongside missile technology. The government has identified defence exports as a strategic priority under the “Make in India" and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives, aiming to reduce dependence on imports while positioning India as a global defence manufacturing hub.

With the Philippines, Vietnam and now Indonesia inducting the BrahMos, Armenia operating the Akash air-defence system and Astra making its international debut, Indian missile systems are increasingly becoming an important component of the country’s growing defence diplomacy as well as a significant export industry.

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Pragati Ratti

Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com. Having headed the Business and Viral sections, Pragati now ideates, writes and edits long-form features and articles on national and global affairs. She ensures...Read More

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