New Delhi: After the recent tension in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates is busy strengthening its security system. According to sources, talks are going on between India and UAE regarding the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Akashteer air defense system.
Increased interest due to security needs
The UAE faced missile and drone threats during the recent conflict between Iran, Israel and the US. After this, Abu Dhabi is reworking its defense procurement policy. Especially increasing the security of the Strait of Hormuz is its priority, because a large part of its energy exports go through this route.
Sources say that UAE has shown interest in several Indian weapon systems. The talks are still in the initial stages but are progressing very fast. There has been no official statement on this from the Indian and UAE governments.
Focus on BrahMos and Akashteer
BrahMos missile is made in collaboration between India and Russia and is counted among the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles. It can be launched from land, sea and air and its export range is about 290 kilometers. Since this is a joint project with Russia, UAE will also have to take Moscow’s approval for export. However, sources believe that considering the good relations between Russia and UAE, there will be no problem in this.
Akashteer is a fully automated air defense command system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited and the Indian Army. It responds quickly to aerial threats by processing information received from different sensors and weapon platforms. Experts say that this system makes the existing missile defense setup stronger.
UAE wants to diversify suppliers
UAE is already using advanced defense systems like THAAD, Patriot and ATACMS of America. But now it wants to diversify its suppliers to become more strategically independent. Earlier this year, UAE also signed a $35 billion defense agreement with South Korea.
Analysts believe that close defense cooperation with India provides strategic balance to the UAE. Also, America will not have any objection to this because both India and UAE are its close allies.
For India, this deal is not just a business but also an opportunity to increase its strategic presence in West Asia. In the last few years, India and UAE have signed several agreements in trade, energy and defense manufacturing.
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