
By Bharat Global Time Defence Desk
June 11, 2025 | New Delhi / Moscow / New Delhi
Russia Rushes Oniks Exports
As demand for India’s BrahMos missile swells globally – especially after its high-profile performance in “Operation Sindoor” — Russia is reportedly deepening export efforts for its P‑800 Oniks (export name: Yakhont), a supersonic anti-ship and land-attack missile that served as BrahMos’s progenitor .Moscow is pitching Oniks as a lower-cost alternative, banking on its high speed and lethality.
Oniks: What You Need to Know
- Speed & Range: Mach 2–3, with export version reaching 120–300 km and Russian variants up to 600 km
- Warhead: 200 kg semi-armor piercing for export models (en.wikipedia.org).
- Platforms: Launches from coastal batteries (Bastion-P/S), ships, subs, and aircraft (en.wikipedia.org).
- Modernisation: Russia has upgraded Oniks into a precision land-strike weapon with imaging infrared or enhanced radar seekers in action over Ukraine
Why “Cheap Copy” Doesn’t Equal BrahMos
Though marketed as a cost-effective BrahMos alternative, experts cite critical downsides:
- Modern Performance Edge: BrahMos Block III offers superior guidance, quicker response, and Mach 3 performance. Oniks lags
- Electronics Gap: BrahMos integrates advanced INS, satellite navigation, and updated seekers; Oniks comes with older Russian hardware
- Export Restrictions: The Oniks export version has a limited range compared to the Indian BrahMos export (290 km vs. Oniks’s 120–300 km) (en.wikipedia.org).
Strategic Ripples & Indian Viewpoint
- Demand Shift Declared: Nations like Vietnam, Brazil, Philippines, and UAE are reportedly seeking BrahMos for its advanced cruise capabilities
- Russia Under Pressure: Facing declining relevance, Russia is pushing Oniks aggressively, including to non-traditional buyers like the Houthis
- Brand Strength Evident: India’s missile exports are riding high—BrahMos has become a cornerstone of Indian defence diplomacy
- Quality vs Cost: Buyers seeking high-end performance lean toward BrahMos. Oniks may attract low-budget buyers but falls short in cutting-edge features.
Indian Defence Outlook
For India, this shake-up reinforces strategic imperatives:
- Stay ahead in technology: Rapid rollout of BrahMos-ER (450+ km), BrahMos-NG, and hypersonic BrahMos-II (Mach 7+) is critical.
- Enhance defence exports: We must accelerate BrahMos outreach to key partners in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
- Diplomacy & branding: Emphasise reliability, indigenous content (70 %+), and state-to-state support, boosting buyers’ confidence
Conclusion: Copycats Can’t Catch Originals
Russia’s Oniks aggressive export push is a calculated response to BrahMos’s success. Yet, branding it a “cheap BrahMos” ignores critical performance gaps. For India, this moment underscores the global trust BrahMos enjoys and the importance of continuous tech innovation and strategic diplomacy in missile exports.