Following the Philippines, Vietnam Poised to Purchase BrahMos Missiles from India

Vietnam is set to become the second Asian country, after the Philippines, to acquire India’s advanced BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. Sources indicate that the defence deal is valued at approximately $700 million (around ₹5,990 crore), with a major decision on the agreement expected soon.

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a joint venture between India and Russia (File photo: AFP)

Like the Philippines, Vietnam is dealing with ongoing maritime tensions with China in the South China Sea. Strengthening its defence capabilities has become a top priority, and in recent years, India and Vietnam have significantly expanded their military cooperation.

In January 2022, the Philippines signed a contract worth $375 million (₹2,700 crore) with India for the shore-based anti-ship BrahMos system, which included the delivery of three missile batteries.

The BrahMos missile, with a range of 290 kilometres, flies at an impressive speed of Mach 2.8, more than two and a half times the speed of sound. India has also developed extended-range versions of the missile, capable of striking targets as far as 450-500 kilometres.

Among the few Indian weapons systems used by all three branches of the armed forces — Army, Navy, and Air Force — the BrahMos has been successfully integrated into frontline fighter jets like the Sukhoi and developed with Russia’s collaboration. The Army employs BrahMos in its artillery units, while the Navy has outfitted its warships with the missile, enhancing their lethality with the ability to strike both land and sea targets with pinpoint accuracy.

India's Defence Exports Surge 30-Fold in a Decade

Recent data from the Ministry of Defence reveals that India’s defence exports have increased nearly 30-fold in the last decade. From a modest ₹686 crore in 2013–14, exports have soared to over ₹23,622 crore in 2024–25.

Between 2014 and 2024, India exported defence equipment worth ₹88,319 crore — 21 times more than the ₹4,312 crore exported between 2004 and 2014. The expanding defence export range now includes bulletproof jackets, Dornier aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, and lightweight torpedoes.

India Sets Target of ₹50,000 Crore in Defence Exports by 2029

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is making significant progress toward achieving the ambitious target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

(This Article was originally published by MSN)