By Bharat Global Time News Desk
Date: July 15, 2025
In a new twist to the global missile export race, Turkey has offered its domestically produced Hisar air defense missile system to Brazil, raising eyebrows in strategic circles. The move is being seen as a desperate attempt by Ankara to secure military export deals amid economic strain and rising global competition.
But the real shocker came from India, which responded almost immediately with a massive counter-offer: the advanced Akash-NG (New Generation) missile system — signaling a serious bid to outmaneuver Turkey in Latin America’s defense market.
What is Turkey’s Hisar System?
The Hisar series includes:
- Hisar-A (short-range)
- Hisar-O (medium-range)
- Hisar-RF (radar-guided variant)
Designed by Turkey’s Roketsan and Aselsan, Hisar is an indigenous surface-to-air missile (SAM) system aimed at defending against aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and cruise missiles. But critics argue:
- It lacks real-world combat validation
- Its radar integration still relies on imported tech
- Deployment across Turkey is still limited
Experts suggest that Turkey’s push to Brazil is less about partnership and more about desperately opening new markets amid its economic crisis and declining Lira.
🇮🇳 India’s Bold Move: Akash-NG to Brazil
India’s Defense Ministry and DRDO quickly made a high-profile presentation of the Akash-NG missile system to Brazilian defense officials. Key highlights:
- Range: Up to 70 km
- Speed: Supersonic (> Mach 2.5)
- Seeker: Fully indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar
- 360° protection with faster reaction time
- Proven success rate with Indian Air Force & Army
India is also offering:
- Technology Transfer (ToT) options
- Joint production facilities in Brazil under “Make in Brazil” initiative
- Training modules and integrated command center support
Why Brazil Matters in the Missile Race
Brazil is seeking to modernize its air defense infrastructure, especially after:
- The Amazon defense alert system expansion
- Growing concerns over drug cartels using drones and air assets
- Regional instability in Latin America
Brazil’s defense procurement board has an open budget of $1.5–2 billion for air defense solutions over the next 5 years.
India vs Turkey: The Competitive Edge
| Feature | Akash-NG (India) | Hisar-O (Turkey) |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 70 km | 25–50 km |
| Seeker | AESA Radar (indigenous) | Semi-active (some imports) |
| Combat Proven | Yes (used by IAF/IA) | No large-scale deployment |
| Export Conditions | Flexible + ToT Offered | Limited tech sharing |
India’s offer also comes with strategic cooperation benefits, including:
- Space collaboration
- Defense electronics tie-ups
- Civil-military training exchanges
Geopolitical Implications
“This isn’t just about missiles. It’s about global influence, tech dominance, and trust,” said a defense analyst from São Paulo.
India’s proactive outreach contrasts Turkey’s more transactional approach, and Brazil reportedly sees India as a more stable, long-term defense partner.
Conclusion: A New Missile Cold War in Latin America?
As Ankara tries to regain geopolitical relevance through defense exports, India is stepping in with technologically superior, trusted, and flexible missile systems. The Akash-NG deal could not only give India a foothold in Latin America but also challenge the monopoly of Western and Turkish systems in non-aligned nations.
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