BrahMos goes global, eyes next-gen missile by 2028; 1,500-km strike variant on radar

BrahMos Aerospace is expanding its missile development and export ambitions, with a prototype of its next-generation BrahMos-NG system targeted for 2027-28 and a 1,500-km-range variant on its longer-term roadmap. The company is accelerating research and development, strengthening its supply chain and engaging foreign militaries interested in air-launched versions of the supersonic cruise missile, CEO and managing director Dr Jaiteerth Joshi said in an interview with ANI on Thursday.BrahMos-NG is being developed as a smaller, lighter and stealthier version of the existing missile.

It will feature higher indigenous content, new technologies and advanced materials. The system is being developed jointly by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya through BrahMos Aerospace.The company plans to develop the first prototype by 2027 or 2028. The missile will initially be developed in an airborne configuration, potentially expanding India's air-launched strike capabilities.Foreign militaries show interest in air-launched BrahMosBrahMos Aerospace is in talks with foreign countries interested in integrating the air-launched missile into their air forces.

Some of these countries operate the Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft, which is also used by the Indian Air Force.Interest is also emerging in BrahMos-NG, with potential customers looking at the next-generation system ahead of its development. The company is engaging with interested parties on the missile's capabilities and possible integration.The growing interest follows BrahMos' combat deployment during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when the Indian Armed Forces used the weapon system in active warfare for the first time.The missile was deployed against critical targets, including major Pakistani airbases such as Nur Khan.

Its combat performance has drawn greater attention from foreign militaries seeking weapons that can adapt to rapidly evolving battlefield conditions.BrahMos Aerospace CEO Dr Jaiteerth Joshi said the missile had demonstrated its ability to engage targets accurately in real time. He said no BrahMos missile was intercepted during the combat operation.1,500-km-range variant remains at conceptual stageBrahMos Aerospace is also exploring a major extension of the missile's strike range to 1,500 km.

The proposed variant remains at the conceptual stage, with the company discussing further upgrades with its Russian joint venture partner.The range-extension programme is being pursued in phases. According to Joshi, test firings from land, sea and air have validated longer-range capabilities beyond the missile's original 290-km strike range.The proposed 1,500-km variant would mark a significant expansion of the missile's planned reach.

However, the company has not announced a development or deployment timeline for it.Production expansion targets rising demandBrahMos Aerospace is prioritising the completion of existing orders from the Indian Armed Forces while preparing to meet growing demand from domestic and international customers.Its production units in Hyderabad, Nagpur, Pilani and Lucknow are working towards fulfilling the pending orders.

The company also plans to accelerate research and development by establishing 'Tech-bricks' for specialised technologies required to develop and test future BrahMos systems.A key part of the expansion plan is to strengthen the supply chain and increase production capacity in case of emergencies or a sudden surge in demand.The company intends to expand the number of suppliers for individual systems and sub-systems from the earlier one or two industry partners to as many as 45 sources.

The move is expected to widen the supplier base and encourage competition on quality and pricing.Combat record strengthens export prospectsBrahMos has become a key component of India's defence export strategy, with its operational performance adding to its international profile. The company secured its first export order in 2022, before the missile's combat deployment, and subsequently signed an export deal with the Philippines.BrahMos Aerospace has since signed deals with two more Southeast Asian countries this year.

Orders and deliveries involving the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam are expected to take the missile's exports beyond $600 million.The missile's export prospects are part of a broader expansion in India's defence exports, which have reached Rs 38,400 crore, registering annual growth of 62.7%.The system is increasingly being positioned as a flagship of India's defence manufacturing capabilities and push for self-reliance.

Its combat performance during Operation Sindoor has also strengthened its profile among foreign military buyers.Navy contract reinforces domestic manufacturingOn October 6, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with BrahMos Aerospace for the procurement of fire control systems and launchers for Indian Navy ships.The contract has a minimum indigenous content requirement of 68% and is expected to encourage participation from Indian industries, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).The project adds to BrahMos Aerospace's domestic production commitments as it pursues new missile variants, expands its supplier network and seeks to strengthen its position in the international defence market.