India has signed a defence export contract with Vietnam for the BrahMos missile system, marking a major milestone in India’s defence export push. A similar agreement with Indonesia is currently in the final stages of completion.
This development strengthens India’s strategic footprint in Southeast Asia and enhances regional deterrence capabilities.
Key Highlights
- Vietnam becomes the third Southeast Asian country to agree to procure the BrahMos system
- The deal is significant amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where several nations face Chinese incursions
- BrahMos is seen as a potent deterrent system for countries protecting maritime sovereignty
Regional Developments
- In 2022, Philippines signed a $374 million deal to acquire three BrahMos missile batteries
- Aim: Strengthen Armed Forces’ ability to safeguard claims in the South China Sea
- First delivery completed in April 2024
- In March 2026, Indonesia finalized an agreement with India for BrahMos procurement
- Interested since 2018
- Intended as an upgrade over Russian-origin Yakhont anti-ship missiles (in service since 2011)
Strategic Significance
- Enhances India’s defence exports and global defence diplomacy
- Strengthens Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy
- Provides Southeast Asian nations with credible maritime deterrence
- Counters growing Chinese assertiveness in regional waters
- Promotes Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing
About BrahMos Missile System
- Type: Supersonic cruise missile
- Developed by:
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (India)
- NPO Mashinostroyeniya (Russia)
- Joint Venture: BrahMos Aerospace (established in 1998)
Key Features
- Speed: Up to Mach 3 (≈ 3 times the speed of sound)
- Warhead: Conventional, up to 300 kg
- Principle: Fire-and-forget system
- Launch Platforms: Land-based, Air-launched, Sea-based (ships), Submarine-launched
- Known as the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missile, making interception extremely difficult