UAE Eyes Major Arms Deal with India; Pakistan’s JF-17 Claim Rejected, BrahMos Deal Faces Hurdles

New Delhi/Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to finalize a multi-million-dollar defense deal with India, with the BrahMos missile at the center of the negotiations. The missile system, which demonstrated its precision during Operation Sindoor last year, destroyed 11 Pakistani airbases, earning global recognition. This has significantly increased international demand for BrahMos, with the Philippines already acquiring units and placing additional orders.

During his Monday visit to India, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) signed a critical defense cooperation agreement under which India and the UAE will jointly manufacture advanced weaponry.

Pakistan’s JF-17 Claims Rebuffed
Earlier this month, Pakistan falsely claimed it had secured sales of its JF-17 fighter jet to Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and other nations. Experts dismiss these assertions, noting that no confirmed deals exist. Meanwhile, India’s BrahMos remains highly sought-after, positioning India as a key arms supplier in the region.

BrahMos Deal Hurdles
Sources told Navbharat Times that discussions on the BrahMos cruise missile sale are in their final stages, though some obstacles remain. The primary challenge is the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) restrictions, which cap missile range at 290 kilometers for non-members. Since joining MTCR, India has successfully extended the BrahMos’ range to over 450 kilometers. However, the UAE is not an MTCR member, and Russia’s approval is also required for certain aspects of the deal.

Pakistan’s Attempt Rejected
Pakistan also attempted to sell JF-17 fighter jets to the UAE, but the Gulf nation rejected the offer, signaling a pivot toward India’s more advanced missile technology. Recently, UAE President MBZ visited Pakistan briefly, spending much of his two-hour visit at the Nur Khan Airbase engaged in rare bird hunting and donating $1 billion to Pakistan’s military foundation, rather than negotiating defense deals.

Strategic Implications
The visit highlighted the UAE’s growing interest in India’s emerging defense industry and regional power dynamics. The BrahMos missile, with its extended range and combat-proven capabilities, is central to this evolving strategic partnership, marking a significant shift in South Asian defense alignments.