Vietnam is considering purchasing BrahMos supersonic missiles from a Russian-Indian joint venture. The parties are expected to discuss the terms of a potential deal during Vietnamese President To Lam's state visit to New Delhi from May 5 to 7, The Economic Times reported, citing sources. The visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

According to sources, the potential contract is valued at approximately $629 million (approximately 60 billion rupees). This amount, in addition to the missile systems themselves, will include training for Vietnamese specialists and long-term logistical support. Sources clarified that the formal signing of the arms contract may not take place immediately, as final technical and financial approvals are ongoing.

According to Tribune India, preference is being given to the coastal anti-ship variant to strengthen Vietnam's coastal defense in the South China Sea. It has not been officially confirmed whether a sea-based or air-launched version of the missile is also being discussed.

BrahMos is being developed by Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia and India's DRDO, based on the Soviet P-800 (Onyx) anti-ship missile. Its name derives from two rivers—the Brahmaputra and Moskva. The missile reaches speeds in excess of Mach 3 (up to Mach 2,8 in upgraded versions), uses a satellite-corrected inertial guidance system, and an active radar homing head. Its warhead, weighing approximately 300 kg, is capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 400–450 km.

India has already delivered BrahMos systems to the Philippines and signed a contract with Indonesia in March 2026. For Vietnam, the deal is seen as a step toward modernizing its naval deterrent forces and deepening its military-technical partnership with India, but a final decision has not yet been made.