India Signs BrahMos Missile Deal with Vietnam

India Signs BrahMos Missile Deal with Vietnam

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Why in News

  • The Defence Secretary announced at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that India finalized a BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam.
  • A similar agreement with Indonesia is moving toward completion following a March 2026 understanding.
  • The Philippines acted as the first foreign buyer by signing an agreement worth nearly $375 million in 2022.
  • India shares advanced defence systems with friendly partners like ASEAN nations to build strategic trust.
  • Several ASEAN members face maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea, making these defence exports strategically vital.

Shangri-La Dialogue

  • This event serves as an annual inter-governmental security forum hosted in Singapore.
  • It gathers defence ministers, military leaders, and experts to debate security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

About BrahMos Missile

  • This weapon is a supersonic cruise missile created jointly by India and Russia.
  • Engineers combined Indian guidance systems with Russian propulsion technology to ensure high reliability.
  • Its name combines the names of two rivers, namely the Brahmaputra and the Moskva.

Historical Milestones

  • The Indian Navy inducted the missile into service in 2005.
  • The Indian Army added the system to its arsenal in 2007.
  • The IAF successfully launched the missile from a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft for the first time in 2017.

Type and Versatility

  • Forces can launch the missile from land, air, sea, and submarine platforms.
  • Extended ranges and advanced sensors make it adaptable for various operational needs.

Speed and Significance

  • The missile achieves supersonic speeds of around Mach 2.8 to 3, allowing it to strike targets very quickly.
  • Its precision and stability highlight India's growth in domestic defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.