The Desert Shield: Why the UAE is Betting on India's BrahMos and Akashteer
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The UAE is exploring the procurement of India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Akashteer air defense system to diversify its defense portfolio following drone and missile attacks.
Background
The UAE faced over 2,846 missile and drone attacks from Iran between February and June 2026. India is transitioning from a major arms importer to a global exporter of high-tech defense systems like BrahMos.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TBrahMos: A supersonic cruise missile developed as a joint venture between India (DRDO) and Russia.
- FactUAE reported over 2,846 missile and drone attacks from Iran between February and June 2026.
- PostAkashteer: An Indian air defense system designed for advanced coordination between multiple defense systems.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the growing defense cooperation between India and the UAE reflects India's evolving role as a net security provider in the Middle East.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Strategic autonomy: UAE's shift from Western-centric defense procurement to diversifying with Indian technology.
- Defense industrialization: India's transition from an arms importer to a global exporter of high-end defense systems.
- Regional security dynamics: Impact of Iranian-UAE tensions on the demand for indigenous Indian missile technology.
Keywords: Strategic Autonomy · Net Security Provider · Defense Diplomacy · Indigenization · Supersonic Cruise Missile
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