India has expressed interest in supplying its Akash missile system to Brazil, as part of efforts to strengthen defence ties between the two countries. The proposal was discussed during a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday between India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, and Brazil's Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin. Brazil’s Defence Minister, Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho, was also present at the meeting.

During the talks, both sides explored ways to deepen their strategic partnership. According to a statement from India’s Defence Ministry, discussions focused on areas of collaboration, particularly in defence production and technology. One of the key topics was the possibility of co-developing defence equipment. The idea is to combine the strengths of both countries in manufacturing and innovation to support shared security goals.

On X (formerly Twitter), Rajnath Singh wrote, “Happy to have met the Vice President of Brazil, Mr Geraldo Alckmin, and Mr José Múcio Monteiro Filho, the Defence Minister of Brazil, today at New Delhi. We had forward-looking discussions on issues about Defence Cooperation with a focus on expanding Military to Military Cooperation and Defence Industrial Collaboration.”

About India’s Akash Missile System

 The Akash missile system is India’s indigenously developed medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, created by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It can target aircraft, helicopters, drones, and subsonic cruise missiles within a range of up to 30 kilometres and at altitudes of up to 18 kilometres.

The system uses a solid-fuel rocket and carries a 60 kg high-explosive warhead. It is guided by a command system and features a multi-target tracking radar and quick reaction time. The Akash system is deployed by both the Indian Army and Air Force, strengthening India’s air defence network.

Upgraded versions, such as Akash-NG (New Generation), offer better range, accuracy, and mobility. India is also promoting the Akash system for export to friendly nations, and supplying it to Brazil could be an important step in boosting defence cooperation between the two countries.