Brazil eyes India's Akash missile system after stellar performance in Operation Sindoor
PTC Web Desk: In a major boost to India’s defence export goals, Brazil has shown strong interest in acquiring the Akash air defence system. This interest follows the system’s outstanding performance during Operation Sindoor, where India successfully defended itself against a heavy drone and missile attack from Pakistan.
The Akash missile system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), intercepted every incoming threat with 100% accuracy. During the operation, Pakistan launched China- and Turkey-made drones and missiles targeting cities across India—from Srinagar to Gujarat’s Bhuj. These attacks followed India’s military offensive on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), in response to a terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Akash is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile with a range of up to 25 km. It is capable of destroying fast-moving aircraft and drones at supersonic speeds. The system played a key role in India’s AI-powered Akashteer system and the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), providing layered defence and securing vital civilian and military infrastructure.
Brazil’s interest in the Akash system comes at a crucial time, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five-nation tour, which includes a visit to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 5 to 8, as well as stops in Argentina and other Latin American countries.
At a press briefing on July 2, P Kumaran, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said defence cooperation would be a top agenda item during PM Modi’s discussions with Brazilian leaders. “There’s going to be talk on defence cooperation, avenues for joint research, and training,” he said.
Kumaran added that Brazil is also interested in acquiring secure battlefield communications systems, offshore patrol vessels, Garuda artillery guns, coastal surveillance systems, and forming a maintenance partnership for its Scorpene-class submarines—which are based on Indian technology. A potential joint venture with Embraer, Brazil’s aerospace giant, is also being explored.
- With inputs from agencies
