Divya Delhi : Brazil wants India's ‘Akash’ air defense system, ‘Garuda’ rifles, and other defense systems. A senior Ministry of External Affairs official said this when Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes to Brazil for the BRICS conference next week. Eastern Affairs Secretary P. Kumaran told a press conference that India-Brazil defense cooperation will be discussed. He added both countries are considering research, technological partnership, and training exchange. No specific progress has been made in deciding which defense platforms Brazil can buy. Kumaran said Brazil wants to work with India on battlefield communication systems, offshore patrol boats (OPVs), and Scorpene submarine maintenance. Brazil also wants Akash air defense, coastline surveillance, and Garuda weapons. Brazil wants to form defense joint ventures with India. Since Brazil dominates Embraer and the aviation industry, Kumaran said there is great opportunity for cooperation between the two countries. The DRDO-developed ‘Akash’ medium-range surface-to-air missile system targets fighter aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and others. It can fly 25–45 kilometers at 20 kilometers altitude. Its Mach 1.8–2.5 flight speed makes it a fast reaction system. It helped stop Pakistani drone and missile assaults during ‘Operation Sindoor’. India's multi-layered air defense system uses it, and its accuracy is good.