Make In India Boost: Brazil Eyes India’s Akash Missiles and Garuda Guns Ahead of PM Modi’s BRICS Visit
Brazil shows interest in India’s Akash missiles and Garuda guns ahead of PM Modi’s BRICS visit, boosting defence ties and Make in India initiative.
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As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to attend the BRICS summit in Brazil next week, the South American nation has expressed keen interest in acquiring India’s indigenous defence systems, including the ‘Akash’ air defence missile system and ‘Garuda’ artillery guns. This was revealed by a senior official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Eastern Affairs Secretary P. Kumaran shared at a recent press briefing that discussions are underway to deepen defence cooperation between India and Brazil. The two countries are exploring opportunities for joint research, technical partnerships, and training exchanges. While no concrete deals have been finalized yet, both sides are evaluating which defence platforms may be suitable for sale.
Brazil’s interests extend beyond missiles and guns. Kumaran highlighted Brazil’s focus on battlefield secure communication systems, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), coastal surveillance systems, and collaboration on maintaining Scorpene-class submarines. The South American nation also aims to establish joint ventures with India in defence production, leveraging its robust aerospace sector led by Embraer.
The Akash missile system, developed by India’s DRDO, is a medium-range surface-to-air missile capable of targeting aircraft, drones, and missiles at distances of 25 to 45 kilometers and altitudes up to 20 kilometers. With speeds reaching Mach 1.8 to 2.5, it is an essential part of India’s multi-layered air defence and proved effective during Operation Sindoor, countering hostile drone and missile attacks.
The Garuda artillery system, another homegrown innovation, is prized for its mobility and precision, making it ideal for coastal defence and rapid deployment operations.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Brazil from July 5 to 8 will include the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro as well as bilateral meetings to discuss these strategic partnerships. His eight-day foreign tour will also take him to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Namibia.
This growing defence collaboration marks a significant boost for India’s Make in India initiative, as it strengthens ties with Brazil and expands India’s footprint in global defence exports.
