Vietnam “Closer Than Ever” to Acquiring India’s BrahMos Missile System
The BrahMos missile acquisition agreement is expected to be signed within the next few months, with initial technical and commercial details already shared and discussed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Defence.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – India and Vietnam are on the verge of finalizing a USD 700 million (RM3.14 billion) deal for the procurement of the BrahMos missile system, with both nations reportedly in the final stages of completing the necessary details.
The BrahMos missile acquisition agreement is expected to be signed within the next few months, with initial technical and commercial details already shared and discussed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Defence.
The missile orders are anticipated to serve both the Vietnamese Army and Navy.
It is understood that Vietnam has been awaiting the draft agreement, which outlines the total cost of the procurement, delivery schedules, payment terms, and other key details from BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL).
Vietnam is set to become the second Southeast Asian nation, after the Philippines, to acquire the BrahMos missile system, co-developed by India and Russia and based on Russian missile technology.
The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3, and can be launched from warships, mobile launchers, or fighter jets.
With its supersonic speed and low radar signature, the BrahMos can strike targets up to 290 km away. However, the extended-range variant has increased its strike capability to approximately 350 km. The missile carries a payload of around 300 kg.
The BrahMos missile is derived from Russia’s “Oniks” missile. Russia has maintained strong military ties with India for decades.
BrahMos Aerospace, the developer of the missile, is a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM).
The BrahMos is a medium-range cruise missile powered by ramjet engine technology and can be launched from multiple platforms, including aircraft, ships, submarines, and coastal launchers.
Currently, the Philippines is the sole Southeast Asian nation equipped with the BrahMos missile system, following a USD 374 million (RM1.5 billion) contract signed early last year with BrahMos Aerospace for the acquisition of the missile’s coastal launch variant.
The Philippines became the first international customer to procure the land-based BrahMos system, which will be deployed at strategic locations across the South China Sea, referred to as the West Philippine Sea by Manila.
The three BrahMos missile batteries acquired by the Philippines are operated by the country’s Marine Corps.
Each battery consists of two launchers, a radar, and a command and control center.
Two missiles can be launched within 10 seconds from submarines, warships, fighter jets, or ground-based launchers.
The Philippines aims to utilize the BrahMos missile system to deter any Chinese attempts to seize or occupy islands and reefs within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the western South China Sea, or the West Philippine Sea as referred to by Manila.
With the BrahMos system in place, Chinese coast guard vessels would have to “think twice” before approaching any Philippine islands or reefs within the country’s EEZ. — DSA
