Vietnam Joins the Rush for India's Battle-Tested BrahMos Missiles
Vietnam has begun a formal procurement process for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, the India-Russia joint product. After the Philippines and Indonesia, the move is the latest sign of an accelerating arms race in Southeast Asia driven by China's maritime claims.
Hanoi has confirmed it is moving towards a formal agreement with India to acquire BrahMos systems for deployment as coastal-to-sea cruise missiles. Known for its supersonic speed, the weapon has played a central role in the Indian Navy's sea-denial inventory in recent years.
Vietnam joins the Philippines and Indonesia as the third Southeast Asian customer in the queue for BrahMos. The Philippines deployed two batteries under a first export contract signed in 2022, while Indonesia completed its requirement filings last year. The new orders create a defensive arc that reshapes negotiating leverage in the South China Sea.
The signal to Beijing is clear. India is positioning BrahMos exports not just as an economic move, but as a strategic counterweight to Chinese maritime claims. Indian defence manufacturers are expanding production lines in Maharashtra to keep up with demand; analysts say a Vietnam contract could push total deal value above $700 million.
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