The strike and the missile’s success seem to have impressed many countries. According to the Defence Minister, about 14 to 15 nations have shown interest in buying BrahMos. These include Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Venezuela.

Experts believe that BrahMos’ real-time use gave India’s defence industry a much-needed credibility boost. This is not the first time BrahMos has made headlines. In 2022, the Philippines signed a $375 million deal to buy it. Now, Vietnam and Indonesia are also in talks, reportedly for $700 million and $450 million deals.

Big Demand, Bigger Challenges

India’s defence exports hit a new record in 2024–25, reaching ₹23,622 crore ($2.76 billion), up from ₹21,083 crore the year before. The Defence Ministry said India exported arms, ammunition, systems, and components to around 80 countries.

But experts say that for India to become a major global arms supplier, the journey has just begun. While BrahMos is a success, it is still a joint venture with Russia. India still depends on foreign technology for key parts like sensors, propulsion, and electronics.

The global interest in BrahMos shows that India is now being seen as a reliable and trusted defence partner. But to truly match countries like China or South Korea, India must improve manufacturing, reduce red tape, and expand its product line.

A new BrahMos factory in Uttar Pradesh is expected to produce up to 100 missiles a year to meet the rising demand.

India’s public sector still dominates defence production. The private sector should be given more space and that India’s defence marketing and export strategy needs an overhaul. The role of defence attachés in pushing deals abroad.

The Indian government is aiming for ₹50,000 crore ($6.02 billion) in annual defence exports by 2029. Experts agree that this is possible, but only if India invests more in R&D, supports its private industry, and speeds up its decision-making.

For now, BrahMos is proving to be a game-changer. But for India to become a true global player in defence exports, more needs to be done—fast.