MALAYSIA’S possible acquisition of India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system has been raised at the highest level, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirming the matter was discussed with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
Anwar, however, said any decision on the purchase would have to come from the Malaysian Armed Forces, based on its operational and technical requirements.
“We did discuss it, but normally my position is always to get the departments or agencies concerned, those having the expertise in the Air Force; they should then continue,” Anwar said in an interview with India’s NDTV on Saturday.
He said initial discussions had already taken place and that he was supportive of further engagement with India on the matter.
“I told Prime Minister Modi that I am very supportive of that because first, the relationship is built on trust and we want to cement it in all fields,” he said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said Malaysia recognised India’s capabilities and experience in defence.
“India has a long history not only in the air force but also in military capability,” he said.
The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya through BrahMos Aerospace.
It can be launched from land, warships and aircraft, and is capable of striking targets on land and at sea.
The potential deal comes as Malaysia and India seek to widen their relationship beyond trade and investment, with defence, aerospace and maritime security increasingly featuring in bilateral discussions.
For India, BrahMos is one of its most prominent defence exports as New Delhi seeks to expand its presence in the global arms market.
But for Malaysia, the system remains a proposal under consideration. Anwar made clear that the next step rests with the country’s military authorities, which will have to determine whether the system meets Malaysia’s defence needs. – September 13, 2026
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