3 weeks ago
Thailand evaluates BrahMos as more nations seek India's missile
India makes a very fast missile called BrahMos, and many countries want to buy it.
The missile can fly almost three times faster than sound.
Thailand is the newest country thinking about buying it to protect its coasts and navy.
Talks are still early, so no deal has been signed yet.
The Philippines was the first country to buy the missile and finished receiving its order in 2026.
Vietnam is very close to signing a deal, and Indonesia is also interested.
Even the United Arab Emirates is talking to India about buying the missile.
India and Russia made the missile together.
It is one of India's most important defence exports.
Thailand is evaluating India's shore-based anti-ship BrahMos missile, according to Defence Security Asia, but discussions remain preliminary with no contract announced.
The Philippines became BrahMos's first foreign buyer with a roughly $375 million deal in January 2022 for three shore-based anti-ship batteries, with deliveries completed by April 2026.
Vietnam is widely expected to be the next operator; BrahMos Aerospace CEO Jaiteerth Joshi said negotiations are in final stages and India has signed an agreement with Vietnam.
Indonesia has moved closer to a deal after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's July visit to Jakarta, while the UAE is in preliminary talks for what could be the missile's first Gulf export.
BrahMos, jointly developed by India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, flies at nearly Mach 2.8-3 with a range of up to around 450 km in its latest export variants.
Other countries reported to have expressed interest include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, Chile, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and South Africa.
- Who
- India's BrahMos Aerospace and multiple countries, including Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates.
- What
- Several nations are evaluating, buying or seeking India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with Thailand the latest to reportedly evaluate the shore-based anti-ship variant.
- Where
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia) and the Gulf (UAE), with discussions also reported at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
- When
- Thailand's reported evaluation follows the 10th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue in June; the Philippines signed its deal in January 2022 with deliveries completed between April 2024 and April 2026.
- Why
- Countries seek to modernise naval and coastal defence and strengthen maritime security, while India expands its defence exports.
Key facts
- Missile
- BrahMos supersonic cruise missile
- Joint developers
- India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya
- Speed
- Nearly Mach 2.8-3
- Range
- Up to around 450 km in latest export variants
- Warhead
- 200-300 kg
- First foreign buyer
- Philippines, ~$375 million deal in January 2022 for three shore-based anti-ship batteries
- Philippines deliveries
- Completed between April 2024 and April 2026
- Latest evaluating nation
- Thailand (shore-based anti-ship variant)
- Other interested countries
- Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, Chile, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, South Africa
Quotes
BrahMos Aerospace CEO Jaiteerth Joshi
Chief executive of BrahMos Aerospace
“"India had signed a BrahMos agreement with Vietnam, although detailed implementation timelines have not yet been made public"”
livemint.com
“"export negotiations with Vietnam were in the final stages, with only minor government clearances remaining"”
livemint.com
Sources
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