The Government of Brazil has officially paused its negotiations with India for the procurement of the Akash surface-to-air missile system, according to recent media reports. The decision comes after internal technical assessments by Brazil’s Ministry of Defense, which concluded that the Indian system did not meet the extended-range requirements desired by Brazilian defense planners.
The missile system, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited, had been under consideration as part of Brazil’s modernization of its air defense capabilities. However, Brazilian authorities reportedly sought a specific upgraded version of the Akash system, including performance enhancements attributed to foreign collaboration. Indian officials did not agree to supply that particular configuration, resulting in a halt to the discussions.
Following this development, Brazil is now moving forward with evaluating Italy’s Enhanced Modular Air Defence System (EMADS), which incorporates the CAMM-ER missile, offering a range exceeding 40 kilometers. This procurement plan, valued at approximately USD 915 million, is seen as more aligned with Brazil’s technical requirements. The Italian system is already in service with several NATO allies.
Despite the pause in the Akash deal, both India and Brazil have reiterated their mutual commitment to expanding defense and security cooperation. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Brasília, both countries signed high-level agreements focused on joint defense production, counter-terrorism, technology transfers, and industrial collaboration. Embraer, Brazil’s defense and aerospace firm, has also signaled an interest in expanding its footprint in the Indian market, particularly in the transport and surveillance aircraft sectors.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India and the Brazilian Ministry of Defence emphasized that the halt of a single procurement process does not affect the broader strategic defense dialogue between the two nations. Officials noted that further technical discussions could resume in the future if Brazil reconsiders its requirements or if India proposes new upgrades to the Akash system.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Modi also jointly announced a commitment to boost bilateral trade to USD 40 billion in the coming years, with defense partnerships playing a central role. The two leaders also signed agreements on counter-terrorism, critical minerals, and renewable energy as part of an expanded strategic roadmap.
While Brazil’s shift toward the European missile system is being reported as a setback for Indian defense exports, officials in New Delhi maintain that the Akash system has seen strong international interest and will continue to be offered to friendly countries under India’s “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative.
The Indian Ministry of Defence remains open to future dialogue with Brazil and welcomes further collaboration in joint development, training, and capacity-building efforts across the defense and aerospace sectors.