In a significant boost to Bharat’s defense export ambitions under the “Make in India” initiative, Brazil has formally expressed interest in acquiring two of Bharat’s indigenous military platforms: the Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system and the Garuda artillery gun. This development comes ahead of Bharatiya Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Brazil for the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 5 to 8, 2025.
Strategic Context and Diplomatic Engagement
During a press briefing, P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in Bharat’s Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed that discussions are underway to enhance bilateral defense cooperation with Brazil. These talks include potential avenues for joint research, technology sharing, training exchanges, and even co-production ventures 1.
Brazil’s interest is part of a broader initiative to modernize its armed forces and diversify its defense procurement sources. The South American nation is also exploring collaboration in areas such as secure battlefield communication systems, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), coastal surveillance systems, and maintenance of Scorpene-class submarines, which both countries operate 2.
Akash Air Defense System: Proven in Combat
Developed by Bharat’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash missile system is a medium-range, mobile SAM platform designed to neutralize a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles.
Key Features:
Range: 25–45 km
Altitude Coverage: Up to 20 km
Speed: Mach 1.8 to 2.5
Propulsion: Integrated ramjet-rocket system
Mobility: Fully mobile with quick deployment capability
The Akash system recently demonstrated its operational effectiveness during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where it successfully repelled multiple drone and missile attacks from Pakistan, safeguarding critical Bharatiya infrastructure.
Garuda Artillery System: Precision and Mobility
The Garuda artillery gun is another indigenous platform that has caught Brazil’s attention. Designed for rapid deployment and high-precision firepower, the Garuda system is particularly suited for coastal defense and mobile warfare scenarios.
Highlights:
High mobility for quick repositioning
Precision targeting with advanced fire control systems
Adaptability to diverse terrains and mission profiles
Its modular design and ease of integration with modern command-and-control systems make it an attractive option for countries looking to upgrade their artillery capabilities without relying on legacy systems.
Potential for Joint Manufacturing
Brazil’s interest extends beyond procurement. The country is exploring joint manufacturing opportunities with Bharat, leveraging its own industrial strengths, particularly in aerospace through Embraer, and Bharat’s growing defense production ecosystem. This could pave the way for co-development of next-generation platforms and regional defense hubs in Latin America.
Geopolitical and Economic Implications
This budding defense partnership aligns with Bharat’s broader strategy to:
- Expand its footprint in Latin America
- Diversify its defense export markets
- Strengthen South-South cooperation through BRICS and bilateral engagements
For Brazil, this move signals a shift toward strategic autonomy in defense procurement and a desire to reduce dependency on traditional Western suppliers.
Looking Ahead
As Prime Minister Modi prepares for his multi-nation tour, which includes stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Namibia, the Brazil-Bharat defense dialogue is expected to be a cornerstone of his visit. If finalized, the Akash and Garuda deals could mark a new chapter in Indo-Brazilian defense cooperation, setting a precedent for future collaborations in high-tech defense manufacturing and innovation.
