“There is going to be a discussion on defence cooperation and enhancing it with Brazil,” said P Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the MEA, during a press briefing. “They have expressed interest in platforms like the Akash missile system, coastal surveillance systems, Garuda artillery guns, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), and secure battlefield communication systems.”

Brazil, which already operates Scorpene-class submarines, is also keen to partner with India on maintenance and potential upgrades of these vessels. Additionally, the two countries are considering joint research, technology sharing, and training exchanges as part of a broader defence partnership.

“Brazil has strong capabilities in aircraft manufacturing, particularly through Embraer. There is significant scope for joint ventures in the defence sector between our two nations,” Kumaran added.

Akash Missile: Tested and Proven in Combat

Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash missile system is a medium-range, mobile surface-to-air missile capable of neutralising a wide range of aerial threats—including fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and air-to-surface missiles. It operates at supersonic speeds of Mach 1.8 to 2.5 and can engage targets up to 45 km away and 20 km in altitude.

The Akash system gained operational distinction during Operation Sindoor, where it was successfully deployed to repel multiple drone and missile threats from Pakistan. Its integration into India’s layered air defence architecture provided vital protection to strategic assets, and its high kill probability against simultaneous threats validated its combat efficiency.

Garuda: Precision on the Move

The Garuda artillery system, another indigenous platform, is gaining attention for its rapid deployment capabilities and precision firepower—particularly in coastal and mobile battlefield environments.

PM Modi’s Brazil visit will also include bilateral discussions, complementing the broader objectives of his eight-day international tour that includes stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Namibia.