Brazil halts negotiations with India for Akash missile, turns to European alternative with longer range

In a blow to India’s defence export efforts, Brazil has reportedly halted negotiations with India to acquire the Akash missile system. Instead, the country is now pursuing a deal with European defence company MBDA for its Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions (EMADS).

EMADS offers extended capabilities

As reported by CNN Brasil, quoting a Brazilian Army official, Brazil is negotiating a R$ 5 billion (around USD 920 million) deal for MBDA’s EMADS system. The system includes the Common Anti-Air Modular Missile – Extended Range (CAMM-ER), which has a range of more than 40 km. In comparison, India’s Akash missile system has a range of 25–30 km.

CAMM-ER is equipped with an active radio frequency seeker and operates effectively in all weather. The missile is 4.2 meters long, weighs around 160 kilograms, and travels at supersonic speeds.

Comparison with Akash missile system

The Akash missile system covers a range of 4.5 km to 25 km and can engage aerial threats flying between 100 meters and 20 kilometers in altitude. It uses a command guidance system and can target helicopters, fighter aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is fully automatic, features built-in electronic counter-countermeasures, and is mobile across different terrains.

The missile is 5.87 meters long, 350 millimeters in diameter, and weighs 710 kilograms.

Global deployments influence decision

Sources quoted by The Rio Times indicated that Brazil found the Akash system less suitable for defending against high-speed, high-altitude aircraft, advanced drones, and modern missile threats. The EMADS system, already deployed by the British Army since 2018 under the Land Ceptor programme and integrated into Poland’s air defence, reportedly appealed more to Brazilian planners due to its proven performance in NATO-aligned countries.