India’s airstrike capabilities are about to undergo a revolution thanks to the BrahMos-ER, a cutting-edge air-launched cruise missile.
By 2027, India plans to test and deploy the BrahMos-ER, an extended-range air-launched cruise missile, from its Indian Air Force Su-30MKI aircraft. The BrahMos-ER is compatible with Su-30MKI, Rafale, and next TEJAS MK-2 fighters due to its booster-less design and approximate weight of 2.3 tons.
The BrahMos-ER has successfully completed flight testing, most notably a demonstration from the Bay of Bengal in June 2025 off the coast of Odisha.
Its 800-kilometer striking range enables the IAF to carry out deep-strike operations from standoff distances, protecting attack aircraft behind friendly airspace. India’s strategic deterrent in the Indo-Pacific and Himalayan theaters is strengthened by this expanded range and lightweight design, which greatly increase striking choices over land and sea domains.
The missile is difficult to identify and neutralize since it has advanced ramjet propulsion to maintain supersonic speeds (~Mach 3), a composite fuel tank, radar-absorbing materials for stealth, and AI-enabled terminal maneuvers to avoid interception. After successfully completing range tests over the Bay of Bengal in 2025, the missile is currently undergoing a multi-phase trial plan that includes fly integration with the Su-30MKI. Induction is anticipated in two to three years, potentially by late 2027 or 2028.
The BrahMos-ER, which was developed in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and DRDO, increases offensive range to an impressive 800 kilometers. This increased range offers previously unheard-of alternatives for deep-strike missions, revolutionizing India’s traditional deterrent matrix.
The ER variant is constructed without a booster and weighs only 2.3 tons, which is a significant departure from other BrahMos types. This design enables interoperability with future TEJAS MK-2 platforms, Rafale, and the lead testbed, the Su-30MKI.
By launching the weapon at standoff ranges, pilots are now less vulnerable to hostile air offenses.
Indian attack fighters can engage targets deep within enemy territory while remaining behind friendly lines thanks to their effective radius of 800 km. This increase in operational reach strengthens deterrence across the Indo-Pacific region as well as along the Himalayan theater. This standoff leap is advantageous for both land and marine force postures.
For decreased visibility, the BrahMos-ER is covered in radar-absorbing skin. Because of its sophisticated ramjet engine, which produces constant supersonic speed, the missile is very difficult to intercept. AI-driven terminal maneuvering significantly reduces the likelihood of a successful enemy engagement by making interception efforts even more difficult.
Frontline fighters’ mission profile is altered by the ER version, which is a significant force multiplier. Flexible, unpredictable deployment is made possible by the transportation of such weapons from isolated island sites, such as Car Nicobar and the Andaman chain.
Operationally, this extended range missile would improve deterrence through denial by enabling Indian forces to hit high-value targets on land and at sea from safer launch positions. The Indian Air Force intends to adapt up to 60 Su-30MKIs to carry the BrahMos-ER, and the Indian Navy is anticipated to upgrade current 450-km BrahMos missiles to the 800-km model with software modifications.
BrahMos-ER-equipped aircraft effectively assume the role of strategic bombers, enhancing India’s deterrence.
Earlier this year, BrahMos-ER successfully finished its range tests over the Bay of Bengal. Su-30MKI fleetwide integration, stringent operational certification, and doctrinal deployment for complete combat readiness are the next phases. Upon induction, it will be India’s longest-range precision-guided air-launched weapon, and a cornerstone of power projection.