New Delhi: India has officially signed the BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam, marking another major step in the country’s growing defence export strategy. The announcement was made by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
He also confirmed that a similar agreement with Indonesia is now in its final stages. The development highlights India’s increasing role as a defence manufacturing and export hub in the Indo-Pacific region.
Details of India Vietnam BrahMos Missile Deal
According to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Vietnam has already signed an agreement to purchase the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system developed jointly by India and Russia.
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Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Singh said:
- The Vietnam agreement has already been signed.
- The deal has not yet been publicly announced in full detail.
- Indonesia’s BrahMos procurement agreement is in the final stages.
- India remains committed to sharing advanced defence technology with trusted ASEAN partners.
Key Highlights
- India signs BrahMos missile export deal with Vietnam.
- Indonesia likely to become the next foreign customer.
- BrahMos is jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
- The Philippines remains the first international buyer of the missile system.
- The move strengthens India’s defence diplomacy in Southeast Asia.
- The deal supports India’s “Make in India” defence manufacturing ambitions.
Estimated Value Of India Vietnam BrahMos Missile Deal
While the official contract value has not been publicly disclosed, reports suggest the Vietnam deal could be worth approximately:
- ₹60 billion (around $629 million)
- Includes missile systems
- Training support
- Logistics and maintenance assistance
Government officials have not officially confirmed the final value.
Why BrahMos Missile Is Important
The BrahMos missile is considered one of the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles.
Major Features
- Supersonic speed of nearly Mach 2.8–3
- High precision strike capability
- Land, sea, submarine and air launch versions
- Difficult to intercept due to speed and flight profile
- Designed for coastal defence and strategic deterrence
The missile has become one of India’s most successful defence export products.
Strategic Importance For Vietnam
Vietnam has ongoing maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea.
Defence analysts believe BrahMos missiles could help Vietnam:
- Strengthen coastal defence capabilities
- Improve deterrence against potential threats
- Enhance naval strike power
- Modernize its missile arsenal
India and Vietnam have steadily expanded defence cooperation through military training, naval engagements and equipment transfers.
Indonesia Deal Nearing Completion
Indonesia has been negotiating with India for the BrahMos missile system for several years.
Recent developments indicate:
- Indonesia has already entered a procurement agreement framework.
- Final negotiations are underway.
- The first phase may include coastal defence missile batteries.
- Contract signing could happen in the near future.
The deal would further strengthen defence cooperation between New Delhi and Jakarta.
India’s Growing Defence Export Push
India has aggressively expanded defence exports over the past few years.
Key goals include:
- Increasing indigenous defence production.
- Reducing dependence on imports.
- Expanding exports to friendly nations.
- Building strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
The BrahMos export program is becoming a flagship example of India’s defence manufacturing success.
Official Statement
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasized that advanced defence technology is generally shared with trusted partners and reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN countries.
He stated that India views ASEAN nations as friendly partners and is willing to cooperate on advanced defence technologies.
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