In News:

India is advancing its supersonic missile capabilities with the development of two significant assets:

1. The BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) missile—lighter, stealthier, and more versatile.
2. The extended-range BrahMos, which pushes the missile’s reach up to 800 km, enhancing India’s strategic depth.

About BrahMos:

• Joint Venture: BrahMos Aerospace (DRDO of India and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia).
• First Induction: 2005 (anti-ship version).
• Name Origin: Combines names of Brahmaputra (India) and Moskva (Russia) rivers.
• Capabilities: Launch from land, sea, sub-sea, and air against land and sea targets.

BrahMos-NG (Next Generation):

A miniaturized, next-gen supersonic cruise missile designed for enhanced operational flexibility and platform compatibility.

Key Features:

• Size & Weight: ~1.33–1.5 tonnes, nearly half the current air-launched BrahMos (2.5–2.65 tonnes).
• Speed: Mach 2.8.
• Range: ~400–450 km; potential for 800 km with future trials.
• Stealth: Lower radar cross-section and advanced stealth design.
• Platforms: Compatible with Su-30MKI, LCA Tejas, Rafale, MiG-29, naval ships, and submarines.
• Launch Options: From air, land vehicles, surface warships, and submarine torpedo tubes.
• Advanced ECCM: Improved resistance against electronic warfare/jamming.
• Precision Targeting: Ideal for land-attack, anti-ship, and underwater combat scenarios.

Strategic Benefits:

• Higher platform density: E.g., a Su-30MKI can carry up to 4 BrahMos-NG missiles; Tejas can carry 2.
• Faster deployment and reload cycles due to reduced size and logistics burden.
• Future-ready design: Modular, stealthy, and agile—ideal for modern warfare.

Extended-Range BrahMos:

• Background: Initial range capped at 290 km under Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
• Post-MTCR Membership: India joined MTCR in 2016, enabling range extension.
• Current Status: Successfully extended to 450 km; testing ongoing for 800 km version.
• Trial Update: Initial flight trial of the 800 km version conducted; more planned.

Operational Highlights:

• Combat Proven: BrahMos was used by the IAF for precision strikes on Pakistani airbases during the 2024 confrontation, demonstrating effective penetration of enemy air defence.
• Deterrence Capability: Former Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari called BrahMos-NG the IAF’s "primary deterrent weapon".
• Squadron Integration: 222 ‘Tiger Sharks’ squadron in Thanjavur equipped with BrahMos-armed Su-30MKIs.