SOURCE: AFI
The air-launched BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), a 1.3-ton supersonic cruise missile capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3.5, is generating significant buzz on the international stage. With its first test flight slated for 2026, this Indo-Russian anti-ship and anti-ground weapon system has already piqued the interest of over a dozen countries. The missile’s promise of speed, precision, and adaptability is turning heads, particularly as subsonic cruise missiles—commonly offered for air-launched platforms—have exposed vulnerabilities in contested airspace, a lesson starkly illustrated by the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.
Developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos-NG builds on the success of its predecessor, the BrahMos missile, which has already secured a reputation as one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles. Weighing just 1.3 tons—half the weight of the original BrahMos—and designed for a range of up to 290 km (extendable to 450 km with upgrades), the NG variant is compact enough to be integrated into a variety of platforms, including lighter fighters like India’s Tejas, as well as heavyweights like the Su-30 MKI and Rafale. Its Mach 3.5 speed and reduced radar cross-section make it a formidable option for both anti-ship and land-attack roles.
The surge in international interest—spanning nations in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America—stems from the BrahMos-NG’s standout capabilities in an era where air-launched subsonic systems are increasingly at risk. The Ukraine-Russia conflict has laid bare the limitations of slower cruise missiles, such as the American Tomahawk or Russian Kalibr variants, which have been intercepted by modern air defence systems like the S-300, S-400, and Western-supplied Patriots. Both sides in the war have scored kills against these sluggish aerial targets, highlighting their vulnerability in contested environments where speed and stealth are critical for survival.
In contrast, the BrahMos-NG’s supersonic velocity—over three times the speed of sound—offers a significant edge. Travelling at Mach 3.5, it drastically reduces the reaction time available to enemy defences, making interception far more challenging. Its high kinetic energy on impact, a hallmark of the BrahMos family, enhances its destructive power against hardened targets, whether naval vessels or ground installations. This capability is particularly appealing to nations facing maritime threats or seeking to bolster their deterrence against well-defended adversaries.
The missile’s appeal is further amplified by its versatility. Designed to be launched from aircraft, ships, submarines, and potentially even unmanned platforms, the BrahMos-NG caters to a wide range of operational needs. For air forces, its lighter weight opens the door to deployment on smaller jets, expanding its user base beyond the heavy fighters required for the original BrahMos. Countries with Sukhoi fleets, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, have reportedly shown interest in integrating the NG variant into their Su-30s, while others eye its potential for coastal defence and anti-ship roles—a nod to the Philippines’ recent acquisition of the BrahMos for its shore-based batteries.
The Ukraine-Russia war has underscored another key advantage: subsonic missiles, despite their stealth and range, often fail to penetrate layered air defences in high-intensity conflicts. Russia’s use of Kalibr missiles and Ukraine’s deployment of Western-supplied systems have seen mixed results, with many shot down by advanced radar and missile interceptors. The BrahMos-NG, with its speed and planned indigenous seeker technology, promises to evade such defences more effectively, offering a next-generation solution for nations wary of these battlefield lessons.
While the missile’s first flight test is still a year away, scheduled for 2026 from an Su-30 MKI, its development is in advanced stages. Production is expected to commence between 2027 and 2028, with BrahMos Aerospace already planning a manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh. The Indian Air Force has committed to a substantial order, reflecting confidence in the system’s ability to enhance its strike capabilities. Meanwhile, the missile’s export potential is soaring, building on the original BrahMos’s success—most notably its $375 million deal with the Philippines in 2022, the first export of the system.
Over a dozen countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, and several Middle Eastern nations, are reportedly in talks with BrahMos Aerospace. The NG’s lower cost, smaller size, and adaptability make it an attractive alternative to Western subsonic offerings like the AGM-158 JASSM or the Storm Shadow, which, while stealthy, lack the raw speed to challenge modern defences head-on. For nations in contested regions—such as Southeast Asia, where maritime disputes with China loom large—the BrahMos-NG offers a credible deterrent.
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