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Economic Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
BrahMos just got its best export sales pitch
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 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 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 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 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 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 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."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
BrahMos just got its best export sales pitch
India's BrahMos missile receives praise after Operation Sindoor. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admits BrahMos caught them off guard. The missile struck military bases deep inside Pakistan. BrahMos is jointly developed with Russia and manufactured in India. India is in talks to export BrahMos to Indonesia and Vietnam. An advanced version of the missile is under development in Uttar Pradesh. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The strategic business of BrahMos Next-Gen BrahMos taking off? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 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."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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Shehbaz Sharif admits Pakistan caught unawares by Brahmos missile
Shehbaz Sharif on Brahmos Missile: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted that the Pakistan Army was caught off guard by India's Brahmos missile strikes on May 9-10, which included the Rawalpindi airport. Sharif revealed that Pakistan had planned a retaliatory attack, but India preempted it with the Brahmos strikes across multiple provinces. The strikes damaged the northern air command-control network at Nur Khan airbase. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads ( Originally published on May 29, 2025 ) Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif , notwithstanding his earlier claims of a military "victory" against India, on Thursday suddenly admitted that the Pakistan Army was "caught unawares" on the intervening night of May 9-10 when India used Brahmos missiles to strike, including the airport in who was speaking at an event in Azerbaijan, said Pakistan planned to attack India on May 10 after the morning prayers. Before Pakistan could act, India's long-range supersonic Brahmos cruise missiles hit multiple targets in Pakistan, across several provinces, Sharif admitted. Sharif said he was informed of the early morning attack by Gen Asim Munir, who has now been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal."Our armed forces were prepared to act at 4.30 in the morning (May 10) after the Fajr prayers to teach a lesson. But before that hour even arrived, India once again launched a missile attack using Brahmos, targeting various provinces of Pakistan, including the airport in Rawalpindi."It is unclear why Sharif admitted a failure during a foreign trip and that too in the presence of Munir. In the past, moves by his elder brother Nawaz Sharif to mend fences with India as the PM was followed by the Pak Army launching attacks on India. On May 10, SU-30MKI launched Brahmos missiles, damaging the northern air command-control network at Nur Khan airbase, Chaklala, Khan is not only the home to the air refuelling 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.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Shehbaz Sharif admits Pakistan caught unawares by Brahmos
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif , notwithstanding his earlier claims of a military "victory" against India, on Thursday suddenly admitted that the Pakistan Army was "caught unawares" on the intervening night of May 9-10 when India used Brahmos missiles to strike, including the airport in Rawalpindi. Sharif, who was speaking at an event in Azerbaijan, said Pakistan planned to attack India on May 10 after the morning prayers. Before Pakistan could act, India's long-range supersonic Brahmos cruise missiles hit multiple targets in Pakistan, across several provinces, Sharif admitted. Sharif said he was informed of the early morning attack by Gen Asim Munir, who has now been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. "Our armed forces were prepared to act at 4.30 in the morning (May 10) after the Fajr prayers to teach a lesson. But before that hour even arrived, India once again launched a missile attack using Brahmos, targeting various provinces of Pakistan, including the airport in Rawalpindi." It is unclear why Sharif admitted a failure during a foreign trip and that too in the presence of Munir. In the past, moves by his elder brother Nawaz Sharif to mend fences with India as the PM was followed by the Pak Army launching attacks on India. On May 10, SU-30MKI launched Brahmos missiles, damaging the northern air command-control network at Nur Khan airbase, Chaklala, Rawalpindi. Nur Khan is not only the home to the air refuelling 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.
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan Shaheen-III's Menace: India's Wrath will End It
In a bold move that has reshaped South Asia's security landscape, Pakistan's deployment of the Shaheen-III ballistic missile has sent ripples through strategic circles. With a range of 2,750 kilometers, this solid-fuel, road-mobile missile can strike anywhere in India, including the distant Andaman and Nicobar Islands, erasing the notion of geographic safe havens. Capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads at hypersonic speeds, the Shaheen-III is Pakistan's answer to India's growing missile capabilities, particularly the Agni-III and Agni-V. As Islamabad flexes its strategic muscle, the question is: How can India absorb this shock and maintain its edge? The Shaheen-III, first tested in 2015 and fine-tuned through launches up to 2022, is no ordinary weapon. Its solid-fuel propulsion allows rapid launches, making it hard to detect and destroy. Mounted on a Chinese-built mobile launcher, it can be moved swiftly, dodging preemptive strikes. Pakistan's Strategic Plans Division has tailored this missile to counter India's missile defense systems, like the S-400, and to ensure a credible second-strike capability. Reports suggest Pakistan is even exploring Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, which could allow a single missile to hit multiple targets, overwhelming defenses. For India, this is a wake-up call. The Shaheen-III's reach not only threatens military bases across the mainland but also critical assets in the Indian Ocean region. This compresses India's response time in a crisis, raising the risk of escalation. Pakistan's message is clear: no part of India is beyond its reach. Yet, India is not without options. Here's how New Delhi can strategically counter this challenge. First, India must bolster its missile defense network. The S-400 systems, combined with indigenous defenses like the Prithvi Air Defence and Ashwin interceptors, need to be deployed strategically to protect key cities and military installations. Investing in advanced radar systems to track hypersonic missiles will be crucial. While no defense is foolproof, a layered shield can deter Pakistan from assuming an easy strike. Second, India should accelerate its own missile programs. The Agni-V, with a range of over 5,000 kilometers, already outmatches the Shaheen-III. Upgrading to the Agni-VI, with potential MIRV capabilities, would restore India's strategic advantage. Simultaneously, hypersonic glide vehicle technology, which India is developing, could counter Pakistan's speed advantage, ensuring a robust deterrent. Third, India's sea-based deterrence needs a boost. Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) like the INS Arihant and its successors offer a survivable second-strike option. By expanding its submarine fleet and deploying them in the Indian Ocean, India can ensure that even a surprise attack from Pakistan would not cripple its retaliatory power. Beyond hardware, India must refine its nuclear doctrine. While maintaining a no-first-use policy, New Delhi should clarify that any nuclear aggression, regardless of scale, will trigger a massive response. This unambiguous stance can deter Pakistan from miscalculating. Diplomatic channels should also be used to signal restraint, reducing the risk of crises spiraling out of control. Finally, India must address the broader geopolitical implications. The Shaheen-III's range extends beyond India, potentially influencing dynamics in the Gulf and Middle East. By deepening defense ties with allies like the US, Israel, and Gulf nations, India can counterbalance Pakistan's strategic outreach. Economic and military cooperation with these partners will also help India maintain its regional clout. The Shaheen-III is a bold statement from Pakistan, but it need not tip the scales. India's economic strength, technological prowess, and strategic depth provide ample tools to respond. By enhancing defenses, advancing missile technology, and strengthening its nuclear triad, India can absorb this shock and emerge stronger. The message to Islamabad should be clear: India's resolve is unshakable, and its deterrence is here to stay. In this high-stakes chess game, the Shaheen-III may be Pakistan's knight, but India's queen—its multifaceted strategic arsenal—is ready to checkmate. The challenge is steep, but so is India's capacity to rise above it. ————-E.O.M (Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@
