BrahMos Aerospace expects to develop the first prototype of the next-generation BrahMos-NG missile by 2027 or 2028, according to CEO and Managing Director Dr Jaiteerth Joshi.

The new missile remains under development and is expected to incorporate significantly higher indigenous content, advanced materials and a range of new technologies, necessitating extensive research and development efforts.

Dr Joshi said the company has already drawn up its development plans and is progressing steadily. He noted that detailed specifications would be disclosed once the system reaches a more advanced stage of development. BrahMos-NG is expected to be a smaller, lighter and more versatile evolution of the existing BrahMos missile family, designed to enhance deployment flexibility across multiple platforms.

The company also revealed growing international interest in the air-launched BrahMos missile. According to Dr Joshi, several countries operating the Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft have expressed interest in integrating the weapon into their air force inventories. In addition, a number of foreign customers have indicated interest in the BrahMos-NG system, which is planned to be developed initially in an airborne configuration.

“Yes, there are countries which have evinced interest in air-launched BrahMos for their Air Force, having the Sukhoi-30 platform in their inventory. In addition, some countries have also expressed their desire in the BrahMos-NG system which will be developed in an airborne configuration first. We are engaged in talks with all the interested parties,” he said.

Dr Joshi stated that international military interest in BrahMos has increased markedly following the missile's reported operational performance. He said foreign armed forces are seeking highly advanced systems capable of adapting quickly to evolving battlefield requirements.

“The militaries want a state-of-the-art system which can swiftly adapt to a rapidly evolving war environment. BRAHMOS, being a very sophisticated weapon and evolving with times, has proven its excellent performance metrics by precisely engaging enemy targets in real-time without a single missile being intercepted during the entire combat operation last year. So, impressed by all these characteristics of the missile, the foreign militaries have become all the more inquisitive in their queries about BRAHMOS, its overall operational and functional parameters, among other aspects,” he said.

On the issue of range enhancement, Dr Joshi said BrahMos Aerospace has pursued its range-extension efforts in a phased manner. The missile has already demonstrated progressively longer-range capabilities through tests conducted from land, sea and air platforms, significantly exceeding its original range of 290 km.

He confirmed that a BrahMos missile with a range of 1,500 km remains part of the company's future roadmap but is currently at the conceptual stage. Discussions are continuing with the joint venture partner regarding further upgrades and enhancements to the missile system.

“We have taken up the range extension program in a phase-wise manner, and the missile has validated its longer-range capabilities during test firings conducted from ground, sea and air, surpassing its initial 290-km strike ambit. The 1,500-km range is part of our future roadmap which is presently at the conceptual stage. We are in discussion with our JV partner for further upgrades in the missile system,” he said.

Looking ahead, BrahMos Aerospace identified fulfilment of existing orders from the Indian Armed Forces as both an immediate and long-term priority. Production facilities in Hyderabad, Nagpur, Pilani and Lucknow are operating at full capacity to support these commitments.

The company also plans to accelerate research and development by establishing specialised “Tech-bricks” focused on niche technologies required for future BrahMos variants. At the same time, it intends to strengthen the supply chain and expand industrial participation to meet rising demand and improve surge-production capabilities.

“We also intend to expedite our R&D work by setting up ‘Tech-bricks’ for niche technologies required for developing and testing the next-generation BRAHMOS. Strengthening the supply chain to meet growing demand and surge capacity in case of any eventuality. From earlier 1-2 Industry partners of each system/sub-systems we are willing to develop 4-5 sources. This will also help to bring in competition in terms of quality and price,” Dr Joshi said.

Commenting on defence exports, he said BrahMos has evolved into a symbol of India's technological strength and strategic self-reliance. Its profile has grown further following operational deployment during Operation Sindoor, when the missile system was reportedly used in active combat for the first time against critical targets, including major Pakistani airbases such as Nur Khan.

“The BrahMos is not just a missile anymore; it is the power, precision and pride of a confident, self-reliant New India.”

The missile continues to play a central role in India's rapidly expanding defence export sector, which has reached ₹38,400 crore and recorded annual growth of 62.7 per cent.

Meanwhile, on 6 October, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with BrahMos Aerospace for the procurement of BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers for Indian Navy warships.

The project carries a minimum indigenous content requirement of 68 per cent and is expected to promote significant participation from Indian industry, including MSMEs, further strengthening the country's domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.

ANI