As part of a larger effort to update its military capabilities, Brazil has shown a strong interest in purchasing India’s Akash air defense system. This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit, which will take place from July 5–8, 2025.
The Indian Army and Air Force currently use the Akash system, which was created by the country’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and proved to be particularly successful during Operation Sindoor.
Brazil is interested in the Akash because it needs to improve its air defense capabilities, which can only intercept aerial threats at 3,000 meters above the ground, much below the Akash’s 18,000-meter operational ceiling and 25–45-kilometer range.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs made it clear during a special briefing prior to PM Modi’s five-nation tour that defense cooperation will be a top priority in talks with Brazil. In keeping with a holistic approach to bilateral defense cooperation, Brazil is also interested in the Akash system, secure communications, offshore patrol boats, coastal surveillance systems, Garuda artillery weapons, and collaborative maintenance of Scorpene-class submarines.
With Brazil suggesting joint ventures and co-development in the manufacturing of defense industries, the two nations are looking into opportunities for cooperative research, knowledge sharing, training exchanges, and co-production in the defense industry.
As of right now, China’s Sky Dragon 50 and the Akash missile system are the only two candidates for Brazil’s Medium/High Altitude Air Defence Artillery System project. This project is a component of Brazil’s strategic plan to protect its large landmass and vital infrastructure, such as offshore oil rigs and military stations.
The benefits of the Akash system include its capacity to engage multiple targets, cost-effectiveness (each missile costs less than half of its Western counterparts), and demonstrated performance, all of which Brazilian military officials have praised during live-fire demonstrations in India.
The possible Akash contract as well as more general strategic, economic, and security alliances are anticipated to be discussed at high-level bilateral meetings between PM Modi and President Lula da Silva. The seriousness of India’s offer and its intention to increase its defense presence in Latin America are further demonstrated by the Indian Export-Import Bank’s intention to establish an office in Brazil in order to provide low-cost financing for defense exports.
The potential partnership is probably going to be set up as a government-to-government contract, which may speed up procurement and strengthen defense relations between the two nations.
With a major defense deal set to be signed at the next summit, Brazil’s pursuit of the Akash air defense system is a big step forward in India-Brazil defense cooperation.
In addition to strengthening India’s “Make in India” campaign, this move marks a strategic realignment in international defense alliances, as both nations aim to capitalize on one another’s industrial and scientific prowess for their own gain.
