India offers Akash missile system to UAE

New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at bolstering strategic defence ties, India has proposed the sale of its indigenously developed Akash air defence missile system to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The offer was made during high-level bilateral talks between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister, who is currently visiting India.

According to media reports, including The Times of India, the discussions marked a major step forward in the growing defence partnership between the two nations. The talks covered a wide spectrum of cooperation — from military exercises and training to joint defence-industrial projects, technology transfers, and research collaborations.

The Akash system, capable of neutralizing enemy aircraft, helicopters, drones, and subsonic cruise missiles within a 25-kilometre range, represents a key component of India’s broader initiative to export indigenous defence platforms. India is actively promoting systems like Akash, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile to friendly nations, particularly in the Gulf and ASEAN regions.

India has already supplied BrahMos coastal missile batteries to the Philippines, and Armenia has emerged as a key buyer of Akash, Pinaka, and 155mm artillery systems.

During Tuesday’s dialogue, both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing defence cooperation in tandem with the robust progress achieved in trade and commerce. Defence Minister Singh described the interaction as “productive,” underlining India’s prioritization of its comprehensive strategic partnership with the UAE.

“We are eager to deepen our cooperation in defence production, co-development, innovation, and technology in the coming years,” Singh stated.

Both leaders reviewed the current geopolitical landscape and expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaborations, particularly under structured frameworks involving joint drills and officer training exchanges. Training initiatives were highlighted as a critical pillar in strengthening mutual trust and interoperability.

A strong focus was also placed on industrial collaboration, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to align India’s Make-in-India initiative with the UAE’s Make-in-Emirates vision. This alignment is expected to generate new co-production opportunities and expand strategic partnerships.

The role of the India-UAE Defence Partnership Forum was especially acknowledged as a vital mechanism to foster deeper engagement and launch new defence ventures.

This latest development signals a new chapter in India-UAE relations, reinforcing shared commitments to regional peace, prosperity, and strategic autonomy through defence cooperation.