New Delhi/Abu Dhabi, — June 22, 2026 : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India are engaged in advanced negotiations for a defense procurement package valued at more than $1 billion. The proposed agreement includes the acquisition of over 150 BrahMos Block-3 supersonic cruise missiles and the Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System.
The discussions are progressing rapidly and reflect the UAE’s efforts to diversify its defense suppliers while enhancing its military capabilities amid evolving regional security challenges. If finalized, the agreement would represent one of the largest defense deals between the two countries and further strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.
BrahMos Missile Acquisition
The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. The export version can reach speeds of up to Mach 3 and has a range of approximately 290 kilometers.
The Block-3 variant features improved guidance systems and steep-dive attack capabilities, enabling it to engage fortified targets with high accuracy. Its speed, low-altitude flight profile, and precision make it a highly effective strike weapon against both land and maritime targets.
For the UAE, the acquisition would provide a long-range precision strike capability, enhancing deterrence and expanding options for protecting critical infrastructure, coastal assets, and strategic maritime routes.
Akashteer Air Defence System
The proposed package also includes the Akashteer Air Defence Control and Reporting System, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in collaboration with DRDO and ISRO.
Akashteer is an AI-enabled command-and-control platform that integrates radars, sensors, and air defence weapons into a unified network. The system provides real-time situational awareness, automated threat evaluation, and coordinated engagement of aerial threats.
The platform has been tested in operational environments and is designed to improve the effectiveness of integrated air defence networks against aircraft, missiles, and drones.
For the UAE, Akashteer would strengthen airspace monitoring and command capabilities, enabling faster and more coordinated responses to emerging threats.
Strategic Significance
Together, BrahMos and Akashteer would provide the UAE with both advanced strike and air defence management capabilities. The systems would support the country's efforts to secure critical economic infrastructure and key maritime corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz.
The potential agreement also highlights India's growing role in the global defense market. Defense exports from India exceeded $4 billion during the fiscal year ending March 2026, with BrahMos already exported to countries including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Any BrahMos export agreement would require Russian approval due to the missile's joint-development framework.
Officials from both countries have not yet announced a timeline for concluding the negotiations, but the discussions are viewed as a significant step in expanding India-UAE defense cooperation and increasing the presence of Indian defense systems in the Middle East.
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