India has achieved a significant milestone in its defense exports, securing two contracts for its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system valued at around 40 billion Indian rupees (approximately $450 million). This announcement was made by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who chose not to disclose the identities of the nations involved in the orders.
These recent contracts mark the first new export agreements for the BrahMos system since the Philippines acquired three coastal defense batteries in 2022 for 18.9 billion Philippine pesos (around $322 million). Interest in acquiring the missile system has also been expressed by Vietnam and Indonesia in recent years; however, no concrete agreements have been reached with those nations yet.
The successful contracts highlight India’s growing prowess in defense exports and affirm the country’s investments in developing indigenous missile technology. They also reflect the operational effectiveness of the BrahMos system, especially following its deployment by the Indian Armed Forces during the clashes with Pakistan earlier this year.
Singh emphasized India’s evolving role in global defense dynamics, stating that the country is transitioning to a position of a “giver” rather than merely a “taker.” During the announcement, he highlighted the manufacturing of the first batch of BrahMos missiles at a newly inaugurated facility in Uttar Pradesh, linking this progress to the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014.
The BrahMos missile, a product of collaborative development between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 3. It features a two-stage design with a solid-propellant booster and a liquid-fueled ramjet sustainer engine. This missile can effectively engage both land and maritime targets at ranges extending up to 490 kilometers (302 miles). Its sea-skimming trajectory allows for low radar visibility, combined with precise targeting capabilities, all while carrying a conventional warhead weighing 300 kilograms (661 pounds).
The versatility of BrahMos is notable, with various available launch platforms, including coastal defense, ship-launched, air-launched variants, and potential future submarine-launched configurations, solidifying its position as a vital asset in India’s defense arsenal.
