BrahMos-NG Missile Unveiled: Advancing India's Supersonic Strike Technology
India is poised to advance significantly in missile technology with the development of the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) supersonic cruise missile. This was announced by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), during the convocation ceremony at the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology. The upcoming missile aims to address the current limitations of the BrahMos system, enhancing its speed, versatility, and deployment capabilities.
The BrahMos-NG is designed to be 50% lighter and three metres shorter than its predecessor, allowing for integration with a broader array of aircraft. These include the Su-30MKI, HAL Tejas Mk-1A, MiG-29UPG, Mirage-2000, as well as future platforms like the Rafale and Tejas Mk-2. Additionally, the missile can be deployed from smaller naval vessels and P75I-class submarines, thereby expanding India's strike possibilities.
From a technical standpoint, the missile will have a reduced diameter of 50 cm and a warhead capacity ranging from 200 to 300 kg. It will achieve a top speed of Mach 3.5 and operate over a range of 290 km. The design incorporates stealth features, AESA radar technology, and improved resilience against electronic countermeasures.
The inaugural flight tests are scheduled for 2026, with the missile's induction anticipated between late 2025 and early 2026. Production is set to commence in Uttar Pradesh with an initial annual capacity of 80 to 100 missiles. The Indian Air Force has already placed an order for 400 units, with a total value of approximately ₹8,000 crore.
This announcement follows the successful deployment of the BrahMos missile in Operation Sindoor earlier this year, where it served as the primary weapon for precision strikes across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation demonstrated the effective synergy between India's offensive and defensive systems, particularly when combined with the indigenous Akashteer air defence system.
With defence production reaching an unprecedented ₹1,50,590 crore in the fiscal year 2024-25 and exports increasing to ₹23,622 crore, DRDO aims to double these export figures by 2029. The BrahMos-NG is expected to play a crucial role in driving this growth, positioning India as a global leader in the realm of supersonic missile technology.
