Now Reading: Vietnam close to BrahMos cruise missile deal with India
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Vietnam close to BrahMos cruise missile deal with India
Vietnam is likely to finalise a deal to purchase the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system from India, according to a report. The missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is seen as a key strategic asset amid China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile with a range of around 290 km, capable of being launched from land, sea, and air. The potential deal would mark one of the most significant defence exports for India, reflecting deepening military ties between New Delhi and Hanoi. No official confirmation or timeline has been announced by either government.
Vietnam has been seeking to modernise its military capabilities as territorial disputes in the South China Sea continue. India has positioned itself as a defence partner for Southeast Asian nations looking to counterbalance Chinese influence, offering systems like the BrahMos as an alternative to Russian or Chinese arms.
Indian Opinion Analysis
India's BrahMos export to Vietnam would be its first major supersonic missile sale, breaking into a market long dominated by Russia and China. The deal's value is estimated at over Rs 5,000 crore, a significant boost for India's defence manufacturing push under the 'Make in India' initiative. It also signals a shift: Vietnam, historically reliant on Russian arms, is diversifying suppliers amid Western sanctions on Moscow. Watch for formal signing during the next India-Vietnam bilateral meeting, likely by late 2025.
BrahMos is already in service with the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. An export variant for the Philippines was delivered in 2024.
Source: asia.nikkei.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
