New Delhi: In a significant step toward strengthening defence ties, Brazil has formally expressed interest in procuring Indian-made defence systems—including the Akash surface-to-air missile and support for its Scorpene-class submarines—just days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the country for the 17th BRICS Summit.
Modi, currently on a multi-nation Latin American tour, will participate in the summit being held in Rio de Janeiro from July 5 to 8. He is also expected to visit other countries in the region, including Argentina.
Addressing a press briefing on July 2, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) P. Kumaran said that defence cooperation will be a key agenda during Modi’s bilateral talks with Brazilian leadership.
“There will be discussions on avenues for defence collaboration, including joint research and training,” said Kumaran. “Brazil is particularly interested in battlefield communication systems, offshore patrol vessels, coastal surveillance solutions, and maintenance partnerships for its Scorpene-class submarines. They’ve also shown interest in the Akash air defence system and Garuda artillery guns,” he added.
The Akash missile system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has gained renewed global attention after its performance in Operation Sindoor in May. During the operation, India launched precision airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
Pakistan retaliated using combat drones and missiles sourced from China and Turkey, launching attacks across Indian territory from Srinagar to Bhuj. India’s multi-layered air defence grid, powered by AI-integrated networks such as the Akashteer system and the broader Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), intercepted every incoming threat. The Akash missile recorded a 100% kill accuracy, showcasing its effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.
Brazil’s potential procurement of the Akash missile marks another milestone for India’s growing stature in the global defence market, and could further cement New Delhi’s strategic partnerships within the Global South.
