Explained: What is the BrahMos missile system and why it matters to India's defence strategy
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on May 11, 2025, 12:41 IST
In the wake of India's retaliatory precision strikes on multiple Pakistani military installations, the spotlight is once again on the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile—a cornerstone of India's strategic and tactical military capabilities.
The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India's DRDO and Russia's NPOM, is one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world, capable of speeds up to Mach 3. It is a two-stage missile, with a solid propellant booster for the initial stage and a liquid ramjet engine for sustained supersonic cruise. Key Features of the BrahMos Missile: Speed: Up to Mach 3 (supersonic)
Up to Mach 3 (supersonic) Range: Up to 400 km (with newer variants extending further)
Up to 400 km (with newer variants extending further) Warhead: 200–300 kg conventional payload
200–300 kg conventional payload Accuracy: Strike accuracy of 99.99%
Strike accuracy of 99.99% Flight Profile: Sea-skimming trajectory and fire-and-forget capability
Its stealth features, pinpoint accuracy, and low radar visibility make it a formidable weapon capable of neutralising fortified military targets with minimal collateral damage. Launch Platforms:
BrahMos is universal in design—capable of being launched from: Land (mobile launchers)
(mobile launchers) Air (Su-30 MKI aircraft)
(Su-30 MKI aircraft) Sea (warships)
(warships) Submarine (vertical launch from underwater) Variants in the BrahMos Series: BrahMos-NG (Next Gen) Smaller, lighter , and harder to detect.
, and harder to detect. Can be deployed on fighter jets, submarines, and torpedo tubes .
. Range: 290 km | Speed: Mach 3.5 BrahMos-II (Hypersonic Variant) Under development.
Expected speed: Mach 7
Range: 450–600 km
Will counter high-end air defences with extreme speed and manoeuvrability. BrahMos in All Three Armed Forces: Army : Land-attack versions along borders
: Land-attack versions along borders Air Force : Modified Su-30 MKIs carry BrahMos missiles for deep strike capability
: Modified Su-30 MKIs carry BrahMos missiles for deep strike capability Navy: Warships and submarines fitted with BrahMos for anti-ship and land attack Why BrahMos is Critical for India: Deterrence : Sends a strong signal to adversaries about India's retaliatory capacity.
: Sends a strong signal to adversaries about India's retaliatory capacity. Indigenous Capability : Reflects India's push for self-reliance in defence.
: Reflects India's push for self-reliance in defence. Export Power: India signed a $375 million BrahMos export deal with the Philippines and is in talks with over 12 other countries. Conclusion:
As modern warfare evolves into multi-domain operations, the BrahMos missile offers versatility, speed, precision, and stealth—factors that are crucial in ensuring India's defence preparedness in a volatile geopolitical environment.
Disclaimer: The information above is compiled from open sources and for informational purposes only.
Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
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