India’s supersonic cruise missile capabilities have advanced significantly with the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) missile program, which is moving closer to important testing and production benchmarks.
There seems to be some misunderstanding, though, about who is currently in charge of BrahMos Aerospace. Dr. Jaiteerth R Joshi took over as CEO and Managing Director on December 1, 2024, replacing Atul Dinkar Rane, who held the role from 2021 to 2024. The cited claims regarding production schedules and flight testing closely match official statements made by BrahMos Aerospace leadership about the next-generation missile system.
With thorough design blueprints now complete and the program moving into the crucial development phase, the BrahMos-NG missile program has advanced to advanced stages of development.
The missile’s first flight test is set for 2026, and production is expected to start in 2027 or 2028, according to official statements from BrahMos Aerospace leadership. According to the development timeline, the first developmental test firing may occur by late 2027 or early 2028 if these integration tests go well. Captive flight trials are scheduled to start in 2026.
The missile system incorporates cutting-edge technologies to achieve a more compact and lightweight design without sacrificing operational effectiveness, marking a significant technological advancement over its predecessor. The BrahMos-NG offers improved platform compatibility and lower radar signature characteristics while retaining the same devastating capabilities as the original BrahMos missile.
When compared to the original BrahMos system, the BrahMos-NG exhibits notable improvements in size and weight optimization. Compared to the original BrahMos, which weighed 3 tonnes and measured 9 metres, the next-generation missile is significantly lighter at about 1.3 to 1.6 tonnes and 6 metres in length. The missile still has a strong operational range of 290 kilometers in spite of this significant size reduction, and future upgrades could increase it to 450 kilometers.
The missile maintains its position as one of the fastest cruise missiles in active service globally by reaching supersonic speeds of Mach 3.5. Because of its reduced radar cross-section design, the BrahMos-NG has advanced stealth characteristics that make it much harder for enemy air defense systems to detect and engage. The missile’s effectiveness and precision targeting are increased by its in-house seeker system, which is outfitted with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
The strategic need for underwater launch capabilities is met by the BrahMos-NG’s Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) variant, which is specifically made to be deployed from standard 533mm torpedo tubes. This submarine-launched version is tailored for the particular difficulties of underwater deployment while retaining the same fundamental performance features as other BrahMos-NG configurations. The missile can be seamlessly integrated with India’s current and future submarine fleet, especially the Project-75I (P-75I) class submarines, thanks to its torpedo tube compatibility.
In order to manage the intricate dynamics of underwater launch, such as water exit stability and a swift transition to supersonic cruise flight, the submarine-launched version has been specially designed. The SLCM variant is in advanced stages of development, according to BrahMos Aerospace, and extensive testing is planned to verify its underwater launch capabilities, flight stability, and submarine system integration. Because of its small size, the missile is especially well-suited for submarine applications, where space is a crucial factor.
Because of its smaller size and lighter weight, the BrahMos-NG can be integrated into a much wider variety of platforms than its predecessor. The missile is compatible with India’s domestically built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the Dassault Rafale, and the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, which can carry up to three BrahMos-NG missiles at once. A significant operational benefit is the improved platform compatibility, which enables more adaptable deployment plans and greater strike capability throughout the Indian Armed Forces.
With specialized configurations for various platform requirements, the air-launched variant retains the same core capabilities while being optimized for fighter aircraft integration. Because it can be launched from lighter 8×8 launch vehicles rather than the 12×12 vehicles needed for the original BrahMos system, the missile’s versatility also extends to ground-based applications. The missile’s operational utility and tactical applications in a variety of combat scenarios are greatly increased by its improved mobility and deployment flexibility.
Even before its first flight test, more than a dozen nations had shown preliminary interest in the BrahMos-NG, demonstrating the system’s high level of international interest. Building on the successful export of BrahMos systems to the Philippines, which was India’s first significant cruise missile export accomplishment, the export potential offers a substantial opportunity for the country’s defense industry. Strong market demand for advanced supersonic cruise missile capabilities is indicated by ongoing discussions with a number of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries.
The BrahMos-NG’s distinctive blend of supersonic speed, precise guidance, and platform versatility sets it apart from the primarily subsonic cruise missiles that are currently on the market internationally and contributes to its widespread appeal. The missile is a very competitive choice for countries looking to improve their strike capabilities while retaining technological independence from conventional defense suppliers thanks to its proven technological foundation and next-generation upgrades.
