BrahMos just got its best export sales pitch

Economic Times

5 days ago

AP A man waves India's flag in front of a cut out of Brahmos Missile
After Operation Sindoor, India's supersonic BrahMos cruise missile is getting rave reviews — including an oblique compliment from the enemy which has experienced the might of BrahMos. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly admitted that BrahMos caught Pakistan unawares and struck several military bases deep inside the country. Speaking at a summit in Lachin, Azerbaijan, Sharif described how Indian strikes hit targets in Pakistan before it could mount its planned retaliation."We on 9th and 10th night we decided to respond in a measured fashion to Indian aggression," he said. "And we had decided that at 4:30 in the morning after Fajr prayers, Pakistan armed forces led very ably by our Field Marshal Chief Army Staff sitting here, Syed Asam Munir, to teach a lesson to our enemy. But before that hour reached India again launched missile attacks, BrahMos and hit Pakistan's various provinces including airport in Rawalpindi and other places."
Also Read: Shehbaz Sharif admits Pakistan caught unawares by Brahmos missile
Coming from the enemy which was hit hard, Sharif's statement can prove to be the best endorsement for BrahMos which is the centrepiece of India's military exports. Sharif's comment not only establishes the lethality of BrahMos but also proves its ability to escape Pakistan's radars and air defence. On May 10 SU-30 MKI-launched Brahmos missiles damaged Pakistan's northern air command-control network at Nur Khan airbase. It was India's strike on Nur Khan airbase, situated at Rawalpindi, that finally rattled the Pakistan military forcing them to approach the USA. Nur Khan is not only the home to the air refueling capability that kept Pakistani fighter jets in the air, but it is also near the headquarters of Pakistan's Strategic Plans Division, which oversees and protects the country's nuclear arsenal. BrahMos missiles have also reportedly been used to target JeM headquarters at Bahawalpur.
Jointly developed with Russia but largely manufactured in India, the BrahMos is one of the fastest and most precise cruise missiles in the world. Flying at Mach 2.8–3.0 with a 290–500 km range, it was used to strike high-value targets like radar stations and hardened bunkers in Pakistan. Its speed and low radar cross-section make it nearly impossible to intercept.BrahMos Aerospace was established through an inter-governmental agreement in 1998 as a joint venture between India's state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation and NPO Mashinostroyenia of Russia. The first trial launch of BrahMos missile took place in 2001. Various versions of this missile have been commissioned to India's navy, air force and army. Western-led sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine have not impacted BrahMos production or planning. Although BrahMos missiles still depend on Russian parts and raw material, the percentage of local input has gone up to over 70% from around 15% at the start of the venture.In April, India sent the second batch of BrahMos missile systems to the Philippines, following the first batch delivery in April 2024. The Philippines, which signed the $375 million deal with India in January 2022, is set to receive a total of three BrahMos missile batteries.India is currently in advanced talks with Indonesia and Vietnam. In January 2024, Indonesia's defence ministry expressed formal interest in acquiring the BrahMos missile system, potentially valued at $450 million. A similar deal is in the works with Vietnam, where India hopes to finalise a $700 million agreement in the coming months. Operation Sindoor is likely to boost the appeal of BrahMos for many other countries too.BrahMos export also serves India's strategic interest. An expansionist China's territorial claims in the South China Sea have put it in conflict with many countries. BrahMos export to these countries will help India take its resistance to maritime Chinese influence to China's own backyard.China claims most of the South China Sea but the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. China has deployed hundreds of coastguard vessels throughout the South China Sea to patrol what it considers its waters, despite a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in a case brought by the Philippines which said the claim had no basis under international laws. There have been frequent faceoffs between the two sides in the past few years, prompting the US and Japan to also pledge support to the Philippines. Sale of BrahMos to the Philippines and most likely to Indonesia and Vietnam in future, will bolster India's Act East policy. More military capacity for these countries alters the balance of power in the South China Sea where China asserts its supremacy.Following the success of jointly produced BrahMos missiles in Operation Sindoor and subsequent conflict with Pakistan, India and Russia have launched negotiations for manufacturing an advanced version of the missile, as per a recent ET report. Russia, it is understood, has extended full technical support for jointly producing an advanced version of the missile in India, ET has learnt. Initial negotiations have already been held between New Delhi and Moscow on the issue.
Also Read: India, Russia begin talks on advanced BrahMos missile production
The newly inaugurated BrahMos facility in Uttar Pradesh has been identified for producing the advanced version of missiles, according to informed sources. The facility will produce missiles in substantial numbers. A BrahMos Aerospace Unit has been established in Lucknow at a cost of Rs 300 crore, with 80 hectares of land provided free by the government. The unit was inaugurated on May 11 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath."Initially, the Lucknow facility will roll out existing BrahMos missiles to meet increased demand, but its specific purpose is to manufacture BrahMos NG (next generation) missile," Sudhir Kumar Mishra, former CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, told TOI recently."The BrahMos NG will have a range of 300km, equal to the current missile, but will be significantly lighter, at 1.2 tonnes (1,200 kg) compared to the existing model's 2,900kg," Mishra said. "BrahMos NG would be integrated on Sukhoi 30. Currently, Su-30 can integrate only one missile, but with the NG version, five missiles can be integrated: four on Light Combat Aircraft. On land and ship versions, instead of three missiles, six or eight can be packed, thanks to the reduced size. This approach maintains effectiveness while increasing numbers and reducing costs, ensuring steady supply to the armed forces."