Global Demand for India’s BrahMos Missile: A Strategic and Technological Game-Changer

The BrahMos Missile: A Technological Marvel

The BrahMos missile, also designated as PJ-10, is a long-range, ramjet-powered supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from submarines, ships, fighter aircraft, or land-based platforms. With a speed of Mach 2.8 (nearly three times the speed of sound), a range of approximately 290 kilometers for export variants (extendable to 800 kilometers for Indian use), and a warhead capacity of 200–300 kilograms, the missile is designed on the “fire and forget” principle. Its stealth technology, advanced guidance system, and ability to cruise at altitudes from 15 kilometers to as low as 10 meters for terminal strikes make it nearly impossible to intercept. Approximately 83% of its components are now indigenously sourced, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The missile’s versatility across land, sea, air, and submarine platforms, combined with its pinpoint accuracy (circular error probability of under 1 meter), has positioned it as a formidable weapon in modern warfare. The recent development of the lighter BrahMos NG (Next Generation) variant, weighing around 1,290 kilograms compared to the original 2,900 kilograms, enhances its deployability, allowing platforms like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI to carry up to three missiles instead of one.

Operation Sindoor: A Catalyst for Global Interest

The BrahMos missile’s reported deployment during Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 6–7, 2025, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, was a defining moment. The operation targeted key military installations in Pakistan, including radar stations, command centers, and ammunition depots at locations like Nur Khan, Rafiqui, and Bholari airbases. A retired Pakistani Air Marshal, Masood Akhtar, admitted on national television that a BrahMos missile struck a hangar at Bholari, damaging a prized AWACS aircraft, highlighting the missile’s precision and ability to penetrate air defenses. This marked the first combat use of the BrahMos, elevating its global profile and demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

The operation’s success, coupled with statements from Indian leaders like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who emphasized the missile’s power during the inauguration of a new BrahMos facility in Lucknow, has fueled international interest. The facility, part of India’s Defence Industrial Corridor, is designed to produce 80–100 missiles annually, with plans to scale up to 150 NG variants, further boosting export capacity.

Countries Lining Up for BrahMos

The BrahMos missile has attracted interest from at least 17 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, driven by its proven capabilities and India’s growing reputation as a reliable defense partner. Below is an overview of key nations in the queue:

1. Philippines

The Philippines was the first country to sign a confirmed deal for BrahMos in January 2022, valued at $375 million, for three shore-based anti-ship missile batteries. The first batch was delivered in April 2024 via Indian Air Force transport aircraft, and Philippine Marine Corps personnel completed training in India in 2023. The Philippines, locked in maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea, views the BrahMos as a critical deterrent, keeping Chinese naval threats at least 300 kilometers from its coastline. Manila is now considering follow-on orders worth $300 million.

2. Vietnam

Vietnam, another South China Sea littoral state, is close to finalizing a $700 million deal for five BrahMos missile batteries for its army and navy. The country, which already operates Russian Yakhont missiles, sees the BrahMos as a strategic upgrade to counter China’s aggressive posturing in the region. Techno-commercial details have been exchanged, with a draft agreement expected soon.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia has been in discussions with India since July 2020 for a $450 million deal to procure 290 km-range BrahMos missiles. President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India on January 25–26, 2025, as the Republic Day chief guest, is expected to finalize the agreement, making Indonesia the third export customer after the Philippines and Vietnam. Indonesia’s interest in the naval and coastal defense variants aligns with its need to protect maritime territories amid tensions in the South China Sea.

4. Malaysia

Malaysia is evaluating the BrahMos for integration with its Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets and Kedah-class warships. The country’s interest stems from its need to bolster aerial and naval defense capabilities in response to regional security challenges, particularly in the South China Sea.

5. Other Southeast Asian Nations

Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei have expressed interest in the BrahMos to enhance their regional defense capabilities. These countries are drawn to the missile’s versatility and its ability to counter maritime threats, particularly in light of China’s Nine-Dash Line claims.

6. Middle Eastern Countries

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Oman are in various stages of negotiation, with some talks at advanced levels. These nations are particularly interested in the ground and air-launched variants, viewing the BrahMos as a strategic deterrent against regional threats. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, with their Sukhoi fleets, see the missile as a valuable addition to their arsenals.

7. Latin American Countries

Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Venezuela have shown interest in the naval and coastal defense variants of the BrahMos. Brazil, in particular, has engaged in discussions, with a delegation visiting India in August 2023 to observe military exercises and explore the sea version for its Tamandaré-class frigates.

8. Other Interested Nations

South Africa and Bulgaria are also in discussions, seeking to enhance their strategic capabilities with the BrahMos. The missile’s multi-domain applicability and affordability make it attractive to a diverse range of countries.

Geopolitical and Strategic Implications

The surge in demand for the BrahMos missile is driven by both its technological prowess and geopolitical dynamics. In Southeast Asia, countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia see the missile as a counterweight to China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. India’s export of BrahMos strengthens its Act East Policy, fostering long-term military-to-military relationships through training, maintenance, and spare parts support. This positions India as a key player in regional security, aligning with its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine.

However, exports are constrained by two key factors. First, the BrahMos is a joint Indo-Russian venture, requiring Russia’s approval for every sale due to its 49.5% stake in the technology. This can complicate deals with countries like Saudi Arabia or the UAE, which have complex relations with Russia. Second, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), of which India became a member in 2016, caps the export range at 290 kilometers, limiting the missile’s capabilities for international buyers compared to India’s extended-range variants.

India’s Rise as a Defense Exporter

The BrahMos missile has become a flagship of India’s defense export strategy, with exports reaching ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023–24, a significant leap from ₹686 crore in FY 2013–14. The missile’s success, coupled with the new Lucknow facility, underscores India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. The facility, built at a cost of ₹300 crore, is expected to produce advanced variants, including the hypersonic BrahMos-II, which could further enhance India’s export potential.

Conclusion

The BrahMos missile’s global demand reflects its unmatched technological capabilities and India’s growing stature in the international defense market. Its proven effectiveness in Operation Sindoor, versatility across platforms, and strategic relevance in countering regional threats have made it a preferred choice for nations from the Philippines to the UAE. As India navigates geopolitical complexities and MTCR restrictions, the BrahMos remains a symbol of its technological and strategic ambitions, positioning the country as a defense superpower on the global stage.