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India is preparing to conclude major defence export contracts for its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system with two ASEAN nations by the end of this year. Senior defence and security officials have confirmed that negotiations are in their final stages, with both agreements expected to be signed in December.
If concluded, these will rank among India’s biggest-ever defence export deals and will mark a turning point in the country’s growing role as a global supplier of advanced weapon systems. The contracts are expected to enhance India’s diplomatic and security footprint across the Indo-Pacific, while boosting domestic defence manufacturing and exports.
A Proven System with Growing Regional Demand
The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, has already established its credentials through operational deployment with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is capable of flying at speeds up to Mach 3 and striking targets with pinpoint precision at ranges currently extending beyond 400 kilometres. Its ability to be launched from land, air, and sea platforms gives it flexibility unmatched in its class.
The first international sale of BrahMos took place in 2022, when the Philippines signed a $375 million deal for coastal defence batteries. The successful delivery and operationalisation of those systems have drawn deep interest from several other countries in the region seeking to strengthen their maritime and territorial defence capabilities.
Analysts say the missile’s performance in Philippine service has served as a live demonstration of India’s credibility as a weapons exporter.
“The BrahMos deal with Manila showed that India can deliver a high-end, combat-proven system on time and with full technical support,” said a senior diplomat. “That success has directly inspired neighbouring states to explore similar partnerships.”
Why ASEAN Nations Are Turning to BrahMos
Several Southeast Asian countries are increasingly looking to enhance their maritime security and deterrence capabilities amid rising tensions and overlapping territorial claims in regional waters. The BrahMos offers a rapid-response, precision-strike option ideal for coastal defence and naval operations.
Its combination of speed, low-altitude flight profile, and heavy conventional payload makes it difficult to intercept and is a strong deterrent against hostile naval movements. Moreover, its relatively low maintenance requirements and India’s willingness to offer training, logistics, and long-term support make it an attractive alternative to costlier Western systems.
Another factor driving regional interest is India’s reputation for strategic neutrality. Unlike suppliers tied to military alliances, India provides advanced weaponry without imposing political or operational conditions, allowing partner nations to preserve their strategic autonomy.
Industrial Momentum and Economic Impact
The anticipated export deals are also expected to stimulate India’s domestic defence industry. The newly inaugurated BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow is designed to produce up to 100 missiles per year.
According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the BrahMos missile is more than a weapon system; it symbolises India’s technological maturity and self-reliance in high-end defence manufacturing. Recently, the minister said the missile’s export success reflects global confidence in India’s indigenous capabilities and underlines the country’s growing presence in the international arms market.
Strengthening India’s Defence Export Strategy
India’s defence exports have surged in recent years, reaching a record USD 2.76 billion in FY 2024-25, a 12 per cent increase over the previous year. Defence products made in India are now exported to over 100 countries, and large-ticket deals such as the BrahMos contracts are expected to accelerate this momentum.
The government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative and the updated Defence Acquisition Procedure of 2020 have been instrumental in building a robust domestic defence ecosystem. These policies prioritise indigenous design and manufacturing, restrict certain imports, and incentivise private-sector participation, creating the foundation for sustainable export growth.
The success of the BrahMos programme illustrates how collaborative innovation between public institutions and private industry can transform India’s defence sector from a buyer to a global supplier. Each new export order contributes to economies of scale, supports small and medium enterprises in the supply chain, and enhances India’s brand value in the defence market.
Expanding Geopolitical and Strategic Influence
Beyond economic benefits, the export of BrahMos missiles carries major geopolitical significance. By providing high-precision strike systems to friendly nations, India strengthens security partnerships and contributes to regional stability. It also demonstrates India’s readiness to play a larger role in ensuring freedom of navigation and deterring coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific.
The upcoming ASEAN contracts are viewed as part of India’s broader `Act East policy’, deepening defence and strategic ties with Southeast Asian countries. For the purchasing nations, the deals represent a significant upgrade to their deterrence and surveillance capabilities. For India, they reinforce its image as a responsible, reliable, and technologically advanced defence partner.
When finalised, the BrahMos export contracts with the two ASEAN nations will mark a major step in India’s defence export journey following the precedent set by the Philippines. They will validate India’s technological prowess, expand its industrial base, and project its influence in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
As the world’s fastest cruise missile prepares to enter new arsenals in Southeast Asia, India stands at the threshold of a new era in defence diplomacy and industrial power.
Huma Siddiqui
