New Delhi: BrahMos Aerospace is developing its next-generation cruise missile, BrahMos-NG, with the first prototype expected by 2027 or 2028. The company is also exploring a future 1,500-kilometre-range missile as part of its long-term development plans.
BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director Dr Jaiteerth Joshi confirmed that the company is working to improve missile technology, increase indigenous manufacturing and strengthen its production network.
The BrahMos-NG will be smaller, lighter and more advanced than the existing BrahMos missile. Its development will initially focus on an air-launched version for India’s fighter aircraft.
Meanwhile, the proposed 1,500-kilometre-range BrahMos missile remains at the conceptual stage. The company is discussing future upgrades with its Russian joint venture partner.
BrahMos-NG Missile Prototype Expected By 2027–28
BrahMos Aerospace expects to develop the first prototype of the BrahMos-NG missile by 2027 or 2028.
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According to Dr Jaiteerth Joshi, the new missile will include advanced materials, new technologies and a higher percentage of indigenous components. The company is currently working on its research and development programme to improve the missile’s design and performance.
BrahMos-NG is being developed jointly by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
The new missile is expected to provide improved capabilities while maintaining the operational advantages of the existing BrahMos missile family.
What Is BrahMos-NG Missile
BrahMos-NG stands for BrahMos Next Generation. It is a planned smaller and lighter version of the existing BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
The missile is being designed to offer improved flexibility, advanced technology and better compatibility with different military platforms.
According to BrahMos Aerospace, the new missile will feature reduced dimensions and weight, advanced stealth features and higher indigenous content. The company also plans to improve its ability to operate against modern electronic countermeasures.
These improvements are expected to make BrahMos-NG a more versatile weapon system for future military operations.
BrahMos-NG Missile To Be Developed First For Air Force
The initial development of BrahMos-NG will focus on an air-launched configuration. The missile is being designed for integration with India’s Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft.
The company also plans to adapt the missile for the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas after successful development and testing.
The smaller size and lower weight of BrahMos-NG are expected to provide greater flexibility for aircraft integration. BrahMos Aerospace has also confirmed that the missile could later be adapted for ground-based and naval platforms. However, the company has not yet announced a confirmed operational induction date for BrahMos-NG.
1,500-Km BrahMos Missile Remains On Long-Term Roadmap
BrahMos Aerospace is also exploring a future missile variant with a strike range of up to 1,500 kilometres.
Dr Jaiteerth Joshi said the company has been developing longer-range capabilities through a phased programme.
The missile has demonstrated extended-range capabilities through test firings from land, sea and air platforms. However, the proposed 1,500-kilometre variant is still at the conceptual stage.
The company is discussing further upgrades with its Russian joint venture partner. No confirmed development schedule or operational deployment date has been announced for this longer-range missile.
BrahMos Range Extension Programme
The original BrahMos missile was designed with a strike range of around 290 kilometres. BrahMos Aerospace has since worked on extending its range through different development phases.
According to the company, test firings have demonstrated capabilities beyond the missile’s original range.
The range-extension programme is intended to improve the missile’s operational flexibility. However, the proposed 1,500-kilometre version should not be considered an operational missile because it remains at the conceptual stage.
Foreign Countries Show Interest In BrahMos-NG
BrahMos Aerospace has reported growing international interest in its missile systems. According to Dr Joshi, several countries operating the Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft have expressed interest in the air-launched BrahMos missile.
Some foreign countries have also shown interest in the upcoming BrahMos-NG system. The company is currently discussing the requirements and capabilities of the missile with interested countries.
The initial development of BrahMos-NG in an airborne configuration could make it attractive to countries seeking advanced air-launched strike capabilities. However, interest from foreign countries does not automatically mean that export agreements have been signed.
BrahMos Production To Expand Across India
BrahMos Aerospace is increasing its manufacturing capabilities to meet orders from the Indian Armed Forces and growing international demand.
The company’s production facilities are located in Hyderabad, Nagpur, Pilani and Lucknow. These facilities are working to complete existing orders and support future missile development.
The company is also planning to strengthen its supply chain. Dr Joshi said BrahMos Aerospace wants to increase the number of suppliers for different missile systems and subsystems.
The plan is intended to improve production capacity, encourage competition and support manufacturing during emergencies.
BrahMos Aerospace Plans New Technology Centres
BrahMos Aerospace is planning to establish specialised technology centres called “Tech-bricks”.
These centres will focus on developing and testing technologies required for future BrahMos missile systems. The initiative is expected to support research and development activities.
It will also help the company work on advanced materials and technologies needed for next-generation missiles. The company considers research and development an important part of its long-term missile development programme.
Read also: BrahMos-NG Missile Gets Major Upgrade Before First Flight Test
FAQs
The BrahMos-NG is a next-generation version of the existing BrahMos missile. Its confirmed operational range has not yet been officially announced.
BrahMos Aerospace expects to develop the first BrahMos-NG prototype by 2027 or 2028. The missile is currently under development.
Yes. BrahMos Aerospace is exploring a missile with a range of up to 1,500 kilometres. However, the proposed missile remains at the conceptual stage and does not have a confirmed operational date.
