India’s BrahMos Missile Sparks Global Interest After Strategic Use in Operation Sindoor: 15 Nations Eye Supersonic Weapon
Lucknow: India’s #BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has catapulted to the centre of international defence conversations after its reported deployment in the retaliatory Operation Sindoor following the #PahalgamTerrorAttack in April this year.
The missile’s critical performance during this high-stakes operation has not only drawn praise at home but also attracted active interest from nearly 15 countries globally, signalling a breakthrough in India’s defence export ambitions.
At an official event in Lucknow on July 13, Defence Minister #RajnathSingh revealed that countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are now in various stages of negotiations to acquire the BrahMos missile system.
“The pivotal role played by the BrahMos in Operation Sindoor has sent a strong strategic message, particularly to #Pakistan,” said Singh, referencing the retaliatory strike that followed the deadly terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian citizens.
While the Indian government has not officially confirmed the combat deployment of BrahMos during the operation, Pakistani authorities have indirectly acknowledged the strike, adding credibility to reports of its use.
Global Wave of Interest in BrahMos Missile
The interest in the BrahMos has rapidly surged post-Operation Sindoor, with nearly 14-15 countries exploring its acquisition. Here’s a breakdown of the growing international demand:
Philippines:
India’s first significant #DefenceExport deal involving the BrahMos was signed with the #Philippines in January 2022, valued at $375 million. The agreement includes the delivery of three coastal defence batteries. The first battery was delivered in April 2024, and the second followed in April 2025.
According to sources, the second set of missiles was shipped by sea, contrasting the airlift operation in 2024, which involved an Indian Air Force aircraft and civilian aviation support for a non-stop six-hour haul.
Indonesia:
Indonesia is actively negotiating to procure a next-generation variant of the BrahMos, with deal estimates ranging between $200 million $450 million. Talks have been ongoing for nearly a decade and have recently gathered momentum, partly due to regional security concerns in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia and Vietnam:
Malaysia has shown interest in integrating BrahMos with its Su-30MKM fighter aircraft and Kedah-class warships, while Vietnam is working towards a $700 million deal for acquiring the missile for both naval and land-based platforms.
Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei:
These Southeast Asian nations are reportedly engaged in initial rounds of discussions with Indian defence officials, considering the BrahMos for their coastal and naval defence systems.
Latin American Interest – Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela:
Several Latin American countries are eyeing the BrahMos for naval and coastal defence roles, amid rising maritime security concerns in the South Atlantic and Pacific regions. These countries have shown keen interest in the versatility and reliability of the BrahMos platform.
Middle East Nations – Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman:
India is holding advanced-stage discussions with these Middle Eastern powers. The focus in these talks is on leveraging BrahMos for desert warfare, naval operations, and urban defence in volatile regions. The missile’s stealth, speed, and precision capabilities have made it especially attractive.
BrahMos: India’s Supersonic Arsenal
The #BrahMos missile is the world’s fastest cruise missile, originally tested in June 2001, and has undergone significant upgrades since. Developed through a joint venture between India’s #DRDO and Russia’s #NPO Mashinostroyeniya under the banner of BrahMos Aerospace, the system integrates advanced propulsion, guidance, and targeting systems.
Key specifications include:
Speed: Up to Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound)
Range: Standard range of 290 km, extendable to 500–800 km in newer variants
Warhead: Capable of carrying a 200–300 kg payload
Altitude: Flight altitude from 10 metres to 15 kilometres
Accuracy: Near pinpoint with <1 meter circular error probability
The missile follows a “fire-and-forget” protocol, using stealth technology and advanced inertial navigation systems. Its speed and low-altitude strike capability make it extremely difficult to intercept, giving it a strategic edge.
Importantly, 83% of its components are now indigenously sourced, aligning with India’s #AtmanirbharBharat defence vision.
Next-Gen BrahMos and Aircraft Integration
According to #NDTV and #TimesNow reports, the upcoming next-gen BrahMos will weigh 1,290 kg, almost half the older version’s 2,900 kg. This significant reduction enables fighter aircraft like the Su-30MKI to carry three missiles instead of just one, vastly improving India’s and future buyers’ operational flexibility.
The new version will have a range of approximately 400 km, and further research is ongoing for longer-range and hypersonic variants, possibly crossing Mach 5 speeds in the next decade.
New BrahMos Facility in Lucknow
On July 13, Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow, reinforcing India’s commitment to ramping up production to meet both domestic needs and burgeoning international demand. The facility is expected to be a central hub for export manufacturing and component testing.
The Defence Minister took the opportunity to laud the Indian Armed Forces for their decisive response during #OperationSindoor, stating:
India has sent a clear and resolute message through Operation Sindoor. Our armed forces demonstrated unparalleled courage, and BrahMos stood tall as a symbol of our military preparedness.”