India to Induct 800 km-Range BrahMos-ER Cruise Missile by 2027, Enhancing Precision Strike Capability
India is set to introduce the extended-range BrahMos-ER air-launched cruise missile by 2027, signifying a significant enhancement in the country's precision-strike capabilities. The missile, a collaborative effort between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF), aims to expand India's offensive reach in both land and sea operations.
Weighing around 2.3 tonnes and designed without a booster, the BrahMos-ER is compatible with advanced aircraft such as the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and the upcoming TEJAS Mk-2. This configuration, lacking a booster, facilitates easy integration while improving aircraft agility and strike effectiveness.
The missile offers an impressive range of 800 kilometres, greatly enhancing India's potential for long-distance attacks. This extended reach allows Indian fighter jets to target critical objectives deep within enemy territories while staying within friendly zones, providing a substantial tactical edge in both the Himalayan and Indo-Pacific regions.
Following successful flight trials over the Bay of Bengal in June 2025, the BrahMos-ER verified its full-range capability and precision. It is now moving into an advanced testing stage focusing on integration with the Su-30MKI and operational validation, with induction anticipated by late 2027 or early 2028.
Featuring radar-absorbing materials for stealth, advanced ramjet propulsion to achieve supersonic speeds close to Mach 3, and AI-enabled terminal manoeuvres to avoid interception, the missile presents a significant challenge to detect and counter.
The Indian Air Force intends to modify up to 60 Su-30MKI aircraft to accommodate the BrahMos-ER, effectively turning them into long-range strategic strike platforms. Concurrently, the Indian Navy is updating its existing 450-km BrahMos missiles to the 800-km version through software upgrades.
Strategic deployment from island bases such as Car Nicobar and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands will further enhance operational flexibility, unpredictability, and deterrence.
Once inducted, the BrahMos-ER will become India's longest-range precision-guided air-launched weapon, bolstering the nation's deterrent capabilities and strengthening its self-reliance in advanced missile technology as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
