*Setback for Indian Defense Exports as Brazil Turns to Italy for Advanced Air Defense Systems*
*New Delhi – India has faced a major setback on the international defense stage as Brazil has officially ended negotiations to purchase India’s Akash surface-to-air missile system. According to reports, the decision comes in the aftermath of India’s reported operational failures during Operation Sandoor, which have raised concerns among potential buyers about the reliability and technological sophistication of Indian-made weaponry.
According to *Defense Express*, the primary reason behind Brazil’s withdrawal from the deal was India’s inability to offer the latest upgraded version of the Akash missile system. The Brazilian military is currently seeking a medium-to-long range air defense system with modern capabilities. However, Indian defense firms reportedly offered only an outdated version of the Akash system, which Brazil dismissed as obsolete and unfit for its operational requirements.
The total value of the potential deal was estimated at approximately ₹5 billion INR (roughly $60 million USD). Following the collapse of the negotiations, Brazil has now initiated discussions with Italy to procure the more advanced European Modular Air Defense System (EMADS), developed by MBDA.
The *Deccan Herald* also confirmed the shift in Brazil’s interest, highlighting that Brazil is now seriously evaluating EMADS due to its superior modular design, longer range, and modern radar integration—qualities that India’s Akash variant reportedly failed to meet.
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This development not only marks a commercial loss for India but also poses a reputational challenge for its defense exports. Analysts point out that failures like these—especially following controversies and performance issues in actual combat scenarios—can significantly damage the credibility of Indian-made weapons in global markets. With the Indian defense industry pushing for increased exports under its “Make in India” initiative, losing strategic buyers like Brazil is a serious blow.
Meanwhile, Italy’s defense firms appear poised to benefit from this shift, as emerging nations in Latin America look for partners capable of offering cutting-edge and combat-proven military solutions.