SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is progressing with a significant upgrade to its BrahMos-A air-launched cruise missile (ALCM).
The range of this supersonic missile, currently operational at 450km, will be expanded to nearly 800km, reinforcing its position as one of the most lethal air-launched precision strike systems in the world. This enhancement marks the second major upgrade for the BrahMos missile system and reflects India’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its air-to-ground strike capabilities.
Currently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has modified 40 Su-30MKI fighters to be BrahMos-A capable, granting them the ability to deploy this formidable missile for precision ground strikes. With plans to modify an additional 20 Su-30MKIs or one more squadron, the IAF aims to increase its BrahMos-A-equipped fleet to a total of 60 aircraft. These aircraft will provide India with an extended reach and strike capability, capable of delivering high-impact strikes at considerable standoff distances.
The integration of BrahMos-A on the Su-30MKI gives the IAF a potent long-range strike asset that can engage heavily fortified targets with surgical precision. The missile’s supersonic speed, advanced navigation, and precision targeting make it a powerful deterrent against high-value enemy installations, naval vessels, and other strategic assets.
While the current 450km range makes the BrahMos-A one of the most powerful air-launched missiles globally, extending this range to 800km will significantly expand its operational scope. The ongoing range upgrade is expected to be achieved through a combination of advancements in missile propulsion and fuel efficiency. Developmental trials for the extended-range BrahMos-A are set to begin in 2026, with a phased testing approach to ensure reliability and performance at the new range limit.
To ensure seamless performance at 800km, BrahMos Aerospace has outlined a multi-phase trial schedule starting in 2026. These trials will validate the missile’s performance under various conditions, assess propulsion efficiency at the new range, and confirm the accuracy and reliability of targeting systems over extended distances.
The 800km variant of BrahMos-A will be a formidable addition to India’s strategic arsenal, providing the country with a high-impact, low-risk strike capability. Given its unmatched combination of speed, range, and precision, the extended-range BrahMos-A will serve as a deterrent and offer the IAF greater operational flexibility in countering potential threats.
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