By Bharat Global Time News Desk
Date: July 15, 2025
India’s indigenous defense manufacturing sector has hit a major milestone, as reports confirm that 10 to 15 countries have formally expressed interest in acquiring the BrahMos missile system, jointly developed by India and Russia. This marks a historic high for Indian defense exports — and positions the BrahMos as one of the most coveted supersonic cruise missiles in the world.
What is BrahMos?
BrahMos is a two-stage supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from:
- Land-based launchers
- Naval warships
- Submarines
- Fighter jets (like the Su-30MKI)
Key features:
- Speed: Mach 2.8–3.0
- Range: Now extended to over 500 km (from original 290 km)
- Accuracy: Pinpoint precision on both land and sea targets
- Payload: Up to 300 kg of conventional warhead
- Status: Already deployed by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force
Countries Lining Up for BrahMos
As per defense officials and sources from BrahMos Aerospace, 10–15 countries have either submitted interest or are in advanced negotiation stages. These include:
- Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines (deal already signed)
- Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt
- Latin America: Brazil, Chile
- Africa: South Africa, Algeria
- Eastern Europe: Serbia, Armenia
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan
“The Philippines deal has opened the floodgates. BrahMos is now seen as a strategic asset globally,” said a senior official in the Ministry of Defence.
Why the Hype?
- Combat Proven: India’s repeated successful tests and deployments have showcased reliability.
- Counter-China Strategy: Countries in South China Sea region see BrahMos as a deterrent against Chinese naval aggression.
- Non-NATO Appeal: Nations outside NATO prefer the autonomy and no-strings-attached nature of Indian-Russian weapons.
- Affordable Supremacy: While not as expensive as Western cruise missiles, BrahMos offers superior speed and kill probability.
🇮🇳 India’s Global Defense Rise
India has set a goal to achieve $5 billion in defense exports by 2025, and the BrahMos is its flagship product leading the charge.
Recent achievements:
- India became a net exporter of defense goods
- BrahMos Aerospace has expanded its production and assembly lines in India
- Joint ventures with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam are being explored for local assembly
What Makes BrahMos Different?
| Feature | BrahMos | Competitors (e.g., Harpoon, Exocet) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Supersonic (Mach 2.8–3.0) | Subsonic (Mach 0.8–0.9) |
| Range | Up to 500+ km (new variant) | 70–300 km |
| Platform Flexibility | Air, Land, Sea, Submarine | Mostly limited platforms |
| Indigenous Control | Indian-Russian JV, no US restrictions | US/EU end-use conditions |
Challenges Ahead
While demand is strong, there are hurdles:
- US pressure on nations buying Russian co-developed systems
- MTCR compliance: India adheres to Missile Technology Control Regime, which limits missile exports with ranges over 300 km (unless exceptions are cleared)
- Sensitive tech transfers and end-use guarantees must be navigated carefully
Conclusion: India’s BrahMos Moment
With more countries lining up, BrahMos is no longer just a missile — it’s a symbol of India’s rising defense clout. From Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe, it has become a preferred deterrence tool against regional threats, especially in contested maritime zones.
India’s goal of becoming a defense manufacturing and export powerhouse is no longer a dream — it’s happening. And BrahMos is leading the charge.
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