Vietnam Signs BrahMos Missile Deal as India Expands Strategic Reach in Southeast Asia

In a development highlighting India's growing defense influence across the Indo-Pacific region, a senior Indian official revealed that Vietnam has signed an agreement to purchase BrahMos supersonic missiles, while Indonesia is close to finalizing a comparable deal. This marks a strengthening of India's role as a key supplier of advanced weaponry in Southeast Asia.

Indian Minister of State for Defence Rajesh Kumar Singh disclosed this information during the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, confirming that the agreement with Vietnam has been signed, although it has not yet been officially announced. Singh noted that negotiations with both Indonesia and Vietnam have reached their final stages, emphasizing the sensitivity of the matter as the reason for the lack of public disclosure, according to thediplomat.

While official details remain undisclosed, Indian defense and security sources indicated that the deal was concluded during the last fiscal year. Reports suggest the contract could be valued at approximately $629 million, covering training, logistical support, and the provision of the missile system to Vietnam.

The issue was reportedly a topic during Vietnamese President To Lam's visit to India in May, reflecting ongoing efforts to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations. With this agreement, Vietnam becomes the third Southeast Asian country to acquire the BrahMos missile system, following the Philippines and Indonesia, amid rising regional concerns over China's expanding naval capabilities and influence in the South China Sea.

The BrahMos missile system is the product of a joint venture between India and Russia launched in 1998 under BrahMos Aerospace. It is recognized as one of the world's fastest supersonic cruise missiles, capable of being launched from multiple platforms including ships, submarines, aircraft, and land bases. The missile travels at nearly three times the speed of sound, enhancing its ability to penetrate defenses and reduce interception chances.

These capabilities have made BrahMos an attractive option for countries bordering the South China Sea seeking effective deterrents against increasing naval incursions and escalating regional disputes.

The Philippines was the first in the region to secure the system in 2022, signing a $374 million contract for three missile batteries, with the first battery delivered in April 2024 to strengthen its maritime sovereignty defenses. Indonesia announced in March a finalized agreement with India to purchase BrahMos missiles after years of interest, considering it a potential alternative to the Russian Yakhont missile currently used by its navy.

The Vietnam deal represents a significant achievement for India's defense industry as it aims to expand its presence in global arms markets. It also reflects Southeast Asian countries' desire to diversify their arms suppliers beyond heavy reliance on the United States or China.

Simultaneously, the agreement marks a key milestone in the defense relationship between New Delhi and Hanoi, which has strengthened its strategic partnership in recent years under India's "Act East" policy. Since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, security and military cooperation between the two countries has accelerated, driven by shared concerns over China's maritime expansion.

In June 2022, India and Vietnam signed a "Joint Vision Statement for Defence Partnership until 2030" alongside a mutual logistical support agreement, described by New Delhi as the first of its kind Vietnam has entered into with any country.

With Vietnam now joining the ranks of BrahMos users and Indonesia poised to follow, India is solidifying its position as a prominent defense player in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, other nations such as Thailand and Malaysia are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring the same missile system, potentially opening a broader regional market for India's advanced military exports.