BrahMos-NG prototype expected by 2027-28:Company’s chief says 1,500km range is on roadmap; initial range was 290km

BrahMos Aerospace could prepare the first prototype of the BrahMos Next Generation (NG) by 2027-2028. The missile, with a range of 1,500 km, is still a future plan and is currently at the conceptual stage. In an interview with ANI, the company’s CEO and Managing Director, Dr Jayatirth Joshi, said the missile had demonstrated capabilities beyond its initial 290-km strike range. Work on the BrahMos-NG is under way. It will use more indigenous content, new technology and advanced materials. This will require research and development on a large scale. Dr Joshi said the company had finalised its plans and was continuously moving forward in this direction. Foreign countries interested in air-launched BrahMos Dr Joshi said some countries had shown interest in inducting the air-launched BrahMos into their air forces. These countries have Sukhoi-30 aircraft. He said that some countries had also shown interest in BrahMos-NG. The missile will first be developed in an air-launched configuration. The company is in talks with all interested parties. He said, “Yes, some countries have shown interest in the air-launched BrahMos for their air forces. These countries operate Sukhoi-30 aircraft. In addition, some countries have expressed interest in BrahMos-NG, which will first be developed in an air-launched configuration. We are in talks with all interested parties.” Interest grew after its performance in operations According to Dr Joshi, foreign militaries have shown greater interest in the missile’s operational and functional parameters following its performance in combat. He said that militaries wanted an advanced system capable of adapting to the rapidly changing nature of warfare. Dr Joshi said BrahMos was a highly advanced weapon. It was evolving with time and had proved its performance capabilities. He said that throughout last year’s entire war campaign, the missile hit enemy positions with precision. Not a single missile was intercepted during this period. He said, “Impressed by these capabilities of the missile, foreign armed forces are seeking more information about the BrahMos, including its operational and functional parameters, as well as other aspects.” Priorities for the next five years Speaking about the targets for the next five years, Dr Joshi said the company’s immediate and long-term priorities included fulfilling the existing orders from the armed forces. Other goals include accelerating research and development and increasing the number of industry partners supplying systems and sub-systems. He said all the company’s production units in Hyderabad, Nagpur, Pilani and Lucknow were working at full capacity in this direction. Lucknow is the company’s newest unit. The company wants to accelerate RD by establishing ‘tech-bricks’ focused on the specialised technologies required for the development and testing of the next-generation BrahMos. Dr Joshi said the supply chain would be strengthened to meet rising demand and increase production capacity under any circumstances. Previously, there were one or two industry partners for each system or sub-system. The company now wants to develop 45 suppliers. He said this would also help increase competition in terms of quality and price. BrahMos’ Role in India’s Defence Exports Dr Joshi said the missile’s combat performance had influenced India’s defence exports. According to him, BrahMos has become a symbol of India’s defence capability and self-reliance. He said, “BrahMos is no longer just a missile. It represents the strength, precision and pride of a confident and self-reliant new India.” During Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces used the weapon system in active combat for the first time. The armed forces targeted several key sites in Pakistan, including the country’s major airbase at Noor Khan. This demonstrated the strength of the weapon system. The BrahMos system is also a key pillar of India’s defence exports. India’s defence exports have reached ₹38,400 crore, registering annual growth of 62.7%. New contract for the Indian Navy Meanwhile, on 6 October, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with BrahMos Aerospace to procure BrahMos fire control systems and launchers for Indian Navy ships. The project will have at least 68% indigenous content. It will promote the active participation of several Indian industries, including MSMEs.