BrahMos Aerospace expects to develop the first prototype of its next-generation BrahMos-NG missile by 2027 or 2028, while a missile with a range of 1,500 km remains part of its future roadmap and is currently at the conceptual stage, the company's CEO and Managing Director Dr Jaiteerth Joshi said in an interview with ANI on Thursday.

Source: ANI via LatestLY

"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 under development stage," Dr Joshi said.

Source: ANI via LatestLY

Airborne version first, foreign interest rising

Dr Joshi said some countries operating the Sukhoi-30 platform have expressed interest in integrating the air-launched BrahMos with their air forces, and some have also shown interest in the BrahMos-NG system, which will be developed first in an airborne configuration. Talks are under way with the interested parties, he said.

Source: ANI via LatestLY

He said foreign militaries have grown more inquisitive about the missile's operational parameters after its performance in combat, saying it had precisely engaged enemy targets in real time without a single missile being intercepted during the operation last year — a claim made by the company chief about Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian Armed Forces deployed BrahMos in active warfare for the first time and struck targets including Pakistan's Nur Khan airbase, according to ANI.

Source: ANI via DevDiscourse

1,500-km variant still conceptual

On range extension, Dr Joshi said the programme has been taken up in phases and the missile has validated longer-range capabilities in test firings from ground, sea and air, surpassing its initial 290-km strike range. "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.

Source: ANI via DevDiscourse

Dr Joshi said BrahMos stands at the forefront of India's military exports: the first export order came in 2022 from the Philippines, and deals have since been signed with two more countries in Southeast Asia this year, ANI reported. He said the company's production units at Hyderabad, Nagpur, Pilani and Lucknow are working in full swing to complete existing orders from the Armed Forces, and that the supply chain is being widened from one or two industry partners per system to as many as 45 sources.

Source: ANI via DevDiscourse

Meanwhile, on October 6, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with BrahMos Aerospace for procurement of BrahMos Fire Control Systems and Launchers for Indian Navy ships, with a minimum of 68% indigenous content, ANI reported.

Source: ANI via LatestLY

"The BrahMos is not just a missile anymore; it is the power, precision and pride of a confident, self-reliant New India," Dr Joshi said.