BrahMos-II: India's Hypersonic Dagger ready to pierce the future
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BrahMos-II: India's Hypersonic Dagger ready to pierce the future
BrahMos-II: India's Hypersonic Dagger ready to pierce the future
As a nation historically reliant on foreign technology, India's push for self-reliance through BrahMos-II is a matter of pride and strategic necessity.
India is on the verge of a game-changing moment in defense technology with the BrahMos-II, a hypersonic cruise missile aiming for speeds of Mach 7 to Mach 8—seven to eight times the speed of sound. This isn't just a missile; it's a bold statement of India's growing prowess in cutting-edge weaponry, powered by a homegrown scramjet engine. At a recent summit, Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, former head of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BrahMos Aerospace, revealed a major milestone: a 1,000-second ground test of a scramjet engine combustor, conducted on April 25, 2025. This breakthrough puts India shoulder-to-shoulder with global powers like the U.S., Russia, and China in the hypersonic race.
As a nation historically reliant on foreign technology, India's push for self-reliance through BrahMos-II is a matter of pride and strategic necessity. This missile, expected to outpace its predecessor—the already formidable BrahMos, which zips at Mach 3.5—promises to be a global disruptor. But what makes this technology so special, and why should every Indian care? Let's break it down.
Ramjet vs. Scramjet: The Engines Powering the Future
To understand the hype around BrahMos-II, we need to talk about the engines behind it: ramjets and scramjets. Imagine a regular jet engine, like those on a passenger plane. It sucks in air, compresses it, mixes it with fuel, and ignites it to create thrust. Now, picture a ramjet, which is like a jet engine on steroids, designed for high speeds. It doesn't have moving parts like fans or compressors. Instead, it uses the sheer force of speeding through the air to compress it before burning fuel. Ramjets work well at supersonic speeds (above Mach 1), but they struggle beyond Mach 5.
Enter the scramjet—short for 'supersonic combustion ramjet.' This is the rockstar of engines for hypersonic speeds (Mach 5 and above). Unlike a ramjet, which slows down incoming air to subsonic speeds before burning it, a scramjet keeps the air moving supersonically even during combustion. This is incredibly tricky because air is rushing through at thousands of kilometers per hour, and you've got to ignite fuel in a split second. It's like lighting a match in a hurricane. Scramjets are lighter, more efficient, and capable of pushing vehicles to mind-boggling speeds, making them perfect for hypersonic missiles like BrahMos-II.
Why BrahMos-II Matters
The BrahMos-II isn't just about speed; it's about rewriting the rules of warfare. At Mach 7-8, it could travel 1,500 kilometers, striking targets with pinpoint accuracy before enemies have time to react. Current defense systems struggle to intercept missiles this fast, making BrahMos-II a potential game-changer in conflicts. Its predecessor, the BrahMos, is already the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, trusted by the Indian Armed Forces and even exported to allies like the Philippines. With over 130 successful tests, the BrahMos program has earned a reputation for reliability, unlike cheaper but less dependable alternatives.
The recent 1,000-second scramjet test in Hyderabad is a big deal. Conducted by DRDO's Defence Research & Development Laboratory, it's reportedly the longest scramjet test ever, surpassing the U.S.'s X-51A Waverider, which flew for 240 seconds. This test proved India's scramjet can handle the extreme heat and stress of hypersonic flight, thanks to advanced cooling techniques, special ceramic coatings, and a unique fuel developed with Indian industries. These innovations mean India isn't just copying others—it's setting new benchmarks.
A Strategic Power Play
India's hypersonic ambitions are more than technological flexing; they're a strategic necessity. In a world where China and Pakistan are advancing their missile capabilities, BrahMos-II could tilt the balance in India's favor. Social media buzz on platforms like X suggests the missile could be ready in four years, offering a deterrent that's hard to match. Unlike Russia's Zircon missile, which may inspire BrahMos-II, India's version will rely on its own scramjet tech, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers—a key pillar of the 'Make in India' vision.
This push for self-reliance isn't just about defense; it's about global clout. Countries choosing BrahMos over competitors show trust in India's engineering. With orders for over 200 air-launched BrahMos-A missiles for the Indian Air Force and 220 for the Navy, the program is a cornerstone of India's military might. BrahMos-II could take this legacy further, fulfilling the dream of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for India to lead in hypersonic technology.
The Road Ahead
India's hypersonic journey isn't without challenges. Developing scramjets requires mastering materials that can survive blistering temperatures and ensuring stable combustion at extreme speeds. Yet, DRDO's recent test shows India is on the right track. The government must now double down on funding and collaboration with private industries to keep the momentum going. Delays or budget cuts could risk falling behind in the global race.
BrahMos-II is more than a missile; it's a symbol of India's ambition to be a global superpower. It's about proving that a nation once underestimated can now set the pace in cutting-edge technology. As Dr. Mishra said, India doesn't settle for second-best—it builds the best. With BrahMos-II, India is not just catching up; it's aiming to lead. The world should take notice.
——- E.O.M
( Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@gmail.com )
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