India and UAE Negotiate Sale of BrahMos and Akashteer Systems

The Government of India and the United Arab Emirates are in fast-progressing talks for the sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the Akashteer automated air defense command-and-control system. On June 24, 2026, officials from both nations met in New Delhi to review their Strategic Defence Partnership Framework, focusing on maritime security, innovation, and the acquisition of these military platforms.

The UAE is seeking to modernize its military architecture and diversify its defense partners to reduce dependency on the United States. This move follows attacks on critical installations and threats to vessels in the Strait of Hormuz during a conflict in West Asia. The Akashteer system gained global interest after successfully neutralizing Pakistani projectiles during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

Because the BrahMos missile was jointly developed by India and Russia, the deal requires approval from Moscow, which is expected given Russia's close ties with Abu Dhabi. If finalized, the UAE would join the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam as operators of the missile system. This potential agreement aligns with India's growth as a regional defense hub, with defense exports exceeding $4 billion in the year ending March 2026.