SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a landmark development for India’s defense industry, Vietnam is set to become the second Asian nation after the Philippines to acquire the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with a deal valued at approximately ?5,990 crore (around $700 million). This agreement, reported on April 17, 2025, underscores India’s growing prowess as a global exporter of advanced weaponry and strengthens its strategic partnership with Vietnam amid rising maritime tensions in the South China Sea. The BrahMos missile, a product of a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is poised to enhance Vietnam’s defense capabilities while cementing India’s role in the Indo-Pacific security architecture.
The deal comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea prompting Southeast Asian nations to bolster their defense capabilities. For India, the agreement aligns with its broader strategic objectives of stabilizing its northern borders with China while supporting a secure Indo-Pacific through partnerships like the Quad. The BrahMos export to Vietnam is a delicate yet purposive move, balancing India’s trade ties with Beijing and its commitment to regional security.
The BrahMos deal with Vietnam is a testament to India’s remarkable growth in defense production and exports. According to the Ministry of Defence, India’s defense exports have surged nearly 30 times over the past decade, reaching ?21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, a 174% rise since the launch of the ‘Make in India’ initiative in 2014-15. The BrahMos missile has emerged as a flagship product in this portfolio, alongside other exports like bulletproof jackets, Dornier-228 aircraft, Chetak helicopters, and the Akash missile system.
The successful delivery of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, valued at over $335 million, has already showcased India’s ability to meet international demand for advanced weaponry. Vietnam’s acquisition follows this precedent, with negotiations reportedly in the final stages. Posts on X indicate that the deal could be formalized in the coming weeks, potentially worth $600–700 million, depending on the configuration of air-launched and land-based systems compatible with Vietnam’s Su-30 jets.
DRDO Chairperson Samir V. Kamat highlighted the global interest in BrahMos, noting that countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are also in discussions for potential deals. Indonesia, in particular, is likely the next in line, with talks for a $200–450 million deal at an advanced stage, further expanding India’s defense footprint in Southeast Asia. Kamat predicts that India’s defense exports could reach ?50,000 crore by 2028-29, driven by demand for cutting-edge systems like BrahMos.
The BrahMos missile’s appeal lies in its unmatched technical capabilities. As the only supersonic cruise missile in the world that flies at three times the speed of sound, it offers unparalleled lethality. Its variants can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms, with all three in service with the Indian armed forces. The Indian Army uses BrahMos in its artillery units, while the Navy has equipped its warships for both land and sea strikes. The Indian Air Force has integrated the air-launched version with its Su-30MKI fighters, a platform also operated by Vietnam, making the missile a natural fit for Hanoi’s arsenal.
India’s membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016 enabled the extension of BrahMos’ range, though export versions are capped at 290 km to comply with international regulations. The missile’s precision-strike capability, low radar cross-section, and ability to evade air defenses make it a strategic asset for nations facing regional security challenges. The development of the BrahMos NG (Next Generation), with a first flight scheduled for 2026, promises even greater compatibility with smaller platforms, potentially broadening its export market.
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