In a notable shift towards enhancing defense ties, Brazil has shown interest in acquiring India’s Akash air defense system and Garuda artillery guns, both of which are outcomes of the Make in India initiative. This development unfolds just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Brazil for the upcoming BRICS Summit from July 5 to 8.
During a press briefing, P Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, acknowledged ongoing discussions with Brazil about bolstering bilateral defense cooperation. He noted, “There is going to be discussions on defense cooperation and enhancing it with Brazil. We’re looking at avenues for joint research, technology sharing, and training exchanges.” Although the conversations are still in initial stages, he mentioned that several Indian defense platforms have sparked Brazil’s interest.
Among the platforms Brazil is considering are secure communication systems, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), and coastal surveillance systems, alongside the Akash surface-to-air missile system and Garuda artillery guns. Additionally, Brazil is keen on collaborating with India for the maintenance of Scorpene-class submarines and potentially embarking on joint manufacturing endeavors in the defense sector.
The Akash air defense system, engineered by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a mobile medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to counter a variety of aerial threats, including fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles. It boasts a range of 25–45 km and an engagement altitude of up to 20 km, achieving speeds of Mach 1.8 to 2.5 thanks to its ramjet-rocket propulsion system. The system demonstrated its operational efficacy during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where it successfully countered multiple drone and missile threats from Pakistan, safeguarding critical Indian assets.
The Garuda artillery gun, another indigenous innovation, has earned recognition for its precision and mobility, particularly suitable for coastal and rapid deployment situations. Its versatile design and operational capabilities have piqued the interest of numerous countries seeking modern artillery solutions.
Brazil’s interest also extends towards establishing joint ventures in defense manufacturing, leveraging its aerospace strengths through Embraer. Kumaran added, “There is a lot of potential for us to work with Brazil given their strength in Embraer and in the aircraft industry in general.”
Following his visit to Brazil, Prime Minister Modi is set to continue his international tour, which will include stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Namibia over the span of eight days. The discussions with Brazil are anticipated to play a crucial role in India’s broader strategy to enhance defense exports and strengthen strategic partnerships across Latin America.
