UAE Eyes India's BrahMos Missile: A Game Changer Against J-17 Jets

• The UAE Crown Prince's visit to India is expected to advance discussions on the purchase of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
• BrahMos, a joint India-Russia venture, is globally recognized for its precise strike capability and is being marketed under 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.
• The Philippines has already finalized a BrahMos deal, while Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Saudi Arabia are also in talks.
• This potential deal signifies India's growing defense industry and changing geopolitical dynamics in West Asia, especially amidst UAE-Saudi Arabia rivalry.
• The UAE's pivot towards India for defense cooperation, despite its traditional ties with Pakistan, highlights strategic interests over religious alliances.

Why It Matters: UAE's interest in India's BrahMos missile marks a significant shift in West Asian defense dynamics and India's global defense standing.