Vietnam is on the verge of finalizing a significant agreement with India to purchase BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, in a deal estimated at $700 million. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance Vietnam’s defense capabilities, particularly through air-launched and land-based systems that are compatible with the Su-30 jets of the Vietnam People’s Air Force. The deal is expected to be cemented in the upcoming weeks, according to officials from the Indian Defence Research Wing.
The move follows Vietnam’s expressed interest earlier this year in a separate package valued at $625 million, which included plans to acquire between three to five battery systems for the missile. With this impending acquisition, Vietnam will become the second country in Asia to obtain the BrahMos missiles, following the Philippines’ successful deal in 2021 for three battery systems designed for shore-based operations.
The BrahMos missile, developed jointly by India and Russia, boasts a remarkable speed of Mach 3, making it a formidable weapon in modern warfare. With a medium-range capability, the missile can deliver a warhead weighing between 440 to 660 pounds (200 to 300 kilograms) and is designed for both precision and impact. Its versatility allows the missile to be launched from various platforms, including land, sea, and air, adapting to different tactical scenarios.
Equipped with advanced guidance systems, the BrahMos missile employs a combination of inertial navigation and satellite navigation, complemented by an active radar homing system to effectively track and engage targets. The potential future operators of the missile system are expanding, with interest from countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia, particularly in the air-launched variant intended for the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
This deal signals a strategic shift in Vietnam’s defense posture as the nation aims to modernize and enhance its military capabilities in response to regional security dynamics. The acquisition of such advanced missile technology signifies Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening its military and its potential role in the evolving defense landscape of Southeast Asia.
