The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India and Russia, is currently one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world. It can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarines and is considered the main strike weapon of the Indian Armed Forces due to its high speed and accuracy. In this article, we will discuss in detail the history, development, technical characteristics, different variants, and international interest of BrahMos.
Origin And History Of Brahmos
The Brahmos missile is developed by the Brahmos Aerospace Company, a joint venture between the Indian DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. The company was formed on 5 December 1995. India holds 50.5% and Russia holds 49.5%. The name ‘Brahmos’ comes from the names of the Brahmaputra River in India and the Moskva River in Russia.
Technical Characteristics
The Brahmos is a ramjet supersonic cruise missile with a maximum speed of Mach 2.8 to Mach 3.5. It is capable of carrying a 200 kg warhead and has a maximum range of 800 km with an extended range. It is powered by two stages—first by a solid rocket booster and then by a ramjet engine for longer range.
Development And Test Launches
The first successful launch was in 2001. It has since been successfully launched from land, sea, and warships. Its versatility has been demonstrated by successful launches from INS Rajput in 2008 and from a submarine in 2013. It was successfully launched from the Sukhoi Su-30MKI in 2017, making it the world’s first heavy cruise missile to be launched from an aircraft.
Brahmos Block I, Ii, And Iii
Block I was the basic variant. Block II has an improved seeker and is capable of striking land targets with high accuracy. The Block III missile is designed with high maneuverability and steep dive capabilities, making it ideal for attacks in mountainous terrain. It is deployed in Arunachal Pradesh.
Brahmos-a And Air-launched Version
Brahmos-A is a lighter and modified version, which can be launched from the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. It can strike at a distance of 500 km and is capable of hitting enemy ships or land with precision. For this, various structural changes were made to the aircraft.
Submarine Launched Version
In 2013, Brahmos was successfully launched from a submarine from a depth of 40-50 meters underwater. There are plans to integrate it in the future P75I submarine.
Brahmos-NG: The Next Generation Brahmos
The Brahmos-NG is a lighter, shorter and more maneuverable version. It is 6 meters long and weighs 1.5 tons. It can be used on various fighter aircraft including HAL Tejas, Rafale, MiG-29K. Its test flights will begin in 2025.
Brahmos-II: The Hypersonic Future
The Brahmos-II is a hypersonic missile with a speed of up to Mach 7. It is similar to the Russian 3M22 Zircon and is being developed in the next few years.
Brahmos-II: The Hypersonic Future Operational History Of Brahmos
The Indian Army has so far fielded four Brahmos regiments. It is deployed in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian Air Force’s 40 Sukhoi Su-30MKIs are currently capable of carrying Brahmos. It is inducted into over 10 frontline warships of the Navy.
International Exports And Interest
The Philippines was the first country to purchase Brahmos in 2022. A $375 million deal was signed for three batteries. Two batteries have already been delivered. Many countries including Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, Malaysia, Chile, Egypt, Venezuela, Oman, South Africa have expressed interest.
Defence Contracts And Future Plans
220 Brahmos-ER missiles have been ordered for the Indian Navy in 2024, worth around ₹19500 crore. In addition, India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved more regiments in March 2025.
Strategic Importance Of Brahmos
The Brahmos’s high speed, low radar signature, and accuracy in hitting targets help it evade enemy missile defence systems. It is equally effective in water, mountainous terrain, and urban environments.
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