BrahMos Aerospace Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Dr Jaiteerth Joshi has said that the BrahMos missile system has attracted international attention for years, but its operational use during Operation Sindoor significantly reinforced its reputation as one of the world's most capable precision-strike weapons.

Responding to questions on the weapon's changing global perception, Dr Joshi stated that the missile demonstrated its effectiveness in complex, high-intensity combat conditions, drawing fresh interest from potential international customers and military observers.

“The world has always been looking at BrahMos with awe and wonder. After 'Operation Sindoor', the incredibly versatile missile has proven that it is indeed an enigma - a highly evolved, formidable system for today's complex, multi-domain, high-intensity kinetic warfare.

As India's unparalleled 'first strike' weapon, BrahMos has validated its power and supremacy as the most lethal weapon in its class and calibre, capable of eliminating adversary targets with deadly accuracy while maintaining stealth, swiftness and agility,” he said.

The missile was employed in active combat for the first time during Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Armed Forces used it against critical targets in Pakistan, including major airbases such as Nur Khan. The operation provided the first publicly acknowledged demonstration of the weapon's combat capabilities in wartime conditions, strengthening its credentials as a battle-proven system.

Dr Joshi described BrahMos as more than a missile, calling it “the power, precision and pride of a confident, self-reliant New India”. Its operational success comes as India's military exports continue to expand rapidly, with defence exports reaching ₹38,400 crore and recording annual growth of 62.7 per cent.

According to Dr Joshi, BrahMos had already begun establishing itself in international markets before its combat debut. The programme secured its first export contract in 2022, a landmark deal that boosted India's defence export ambitions and demonstrated confidence in indigenous military technology.

“The BrahMos success story at the exports frontier started even before the weapon was combat-tested in 2025. In 2022, we received our first historic export order, and that multi-million-dollar deal propelled forward India's defence export aspirations in the global arena. Today, BrahMos stands at the forefront of India's military exports strategy.

As a flagship product, the supersonic cruise missile has steadily expanded its export arc, especially after it established its impeccable capabilities and became a 'war-proven' system during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

We have signed deals with two more countries in Southeast Asia this year after our first export deal with the Philippines. So, we are strongly positioned in the international market today and are looking ahead to further expand our export foothold,” he said.

The missile has emerged as a flagship product in India's defence export strategy. Following export agreements with the Philippines, additional deals have been concluded with Indonesia and Vietnam. 

Combined orders and deliveries are expected to take BrahMos-related exports beyond 600 million US dollars, reflecting growing regional demand for advanced strike systems.

Looking ahead, BrahMos Aerospace is prioritising development of the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), a smaller, lighter and more stealthy supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya. The new missile is expected to enhance India's air-launched strike capability by allowing fighter aircraft to carry a greater number of weapons.

Dr Joshi said the first BrahMos-NG prototype is expected between 2027 and 2028. He noted that the project requires extensive research and development because it will incorporate higher indigenous content, advanced materials and several new technologies.

“We expect to develop the first prototype by 2027 or 2028. Since this new system will have higher indigenous content and would also feature many new technologies, advanced materials, etc., we need to undertake extensive R&D work. We have chalked out our plans and are steadily moving forward in this direction. At this point of time, it is in the development stage,” he said.

The company is also pursuing longer-range variants of the missile. BrahMos has already surpassed its original 290-kilometre range through phased upgrades and successful tests from land, sea and air platforms.

Dr Joshi confirmed that a future 1,500-kilometre-range BrahMos variant remains part of the company's long-term roadmap and is currently at the conceptual stage. Discussions are continuing with the joint venture's Russian partner regarding further 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.

In another significant development, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with BrahMos Aerospace on 6 October for the procurement of BrahMos Fire Control Systems and launchers for Indian Navy warships.

Featuring a minimum of 68 per cent indigenous content, the project is expected to support broad participation from Indian industry, including micro, small and medium enterprises, while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities within the country's defence sector.

ANI