Blow to India, Brazil refuses to purchase Akash missile system

Brazil has halted ongoing talks to purchase India’s Akash surface-to-air missile system and has decided to instead prefer a European missile system, which is considered to have a longer range and more advanced technology.

According to a report by the Economic Times, the Brazilian Air Force had shown interest in an older version of the Indian Akash missile but has now turned its attention to the CAMM-ER missile system developed by a European company called MBDA, which has a range of about 45 kilometers, while the Akash has a range of between 25 and 30 kilometers.

The report quoted sources as saying that Brazilian officials were concerned that the offer made by India did not include the modern Akash-NG system, which is still in the development stages. Therefore, they preferred the European offer, which includes modern technology, a better range, and already tested defense systems in European countries.

MBDA’s advanced system

The Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions (EMADS) system provided by European company MBDA uses the CAMM-ER missile, which is equipped with 360-degree defensive capability, soft vertical launch technology, and an advanced radar seeker. This system has already been deployed in the UK, Italy, and Poland.

Contract value

According to the report, Brazil wants to acquire a defense system worth about US$920 million (about 5 billion Brazilian reals) under this contract, which will include launchers, missiles, radars, and command systems.

No progress despite Modi-Lula meeting

Interestingly, in the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, it was agreed to promote defense cooperation.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in September 2023 and discussed increasing cooperation in cybersecurity, space research, and the defense sector.

However, no final progress could be made between the two countries on the Akash missile deal.

Concerns in Indian diplomatic circles

Indian defense analysts say the development is a diplomatic setback for India, as the Akash missile is presented as a success of India's indigenous defense industry.

India is trying to export the system to several countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Argentina.