SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Sudhir Mishra, former CEO of BrahMos Aerospace, has revealed that the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) missile, currently under development, holds the potential to be adapted as an air-to-air missile system. However, he clarified that this variant is not intended for engaging fighter jets at long range. Instead, it is designed to neutralize larger, high-value aerial targets such as Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), mid-air refuelers, and transport aircraft.
The BrahMos-NG, a lighter and more compact version of the original BrahMos missile, weighs approximately 1.3 tons and is primarily being developed for the Indian Air Force (IAF) as an air-to-ground or air-to-sea weapon.
Its versatility, however, opens the door for innovative applications, including air-to-air roles. Mishra’s statement highlights the missile’s potential to address strategic threats posed by large, slow-moving aircraft that play critical roles in modern warfare. AWACS provide real-time situational awareness, mid-air refuelers extend the operational range of enemy aircraft, and transport planes are vital for logistics—making them high-priority targets in a conflict.
Equipped with a projected speed exceeding 930 meters per second (approximately 3,400 kmph or Mach 2.8) and a range of around 290 km, the BrahMos-NG could offer unmatched precision and lethality against such platforms. Its compact design allows for integration with a variety of fighter jets, potentially enabling IAF aircraft to carry multiple missiles, enhancing their ability to execute long-range strikes against critical aerial assets.
This development underscores BrahMos Aerospace’s ambition to push the boundaries of missile technology, tailoring the BrahMos-NG for multi-role capabilities. While primarily designed for surface attack, its adaptation as an air-to-air missile could provide the IAF with a strategic edge, disrupting enemy operations by targeting key enablers in the air. As the BrahMos-NG progresses through development, its potential to reshape aerial warfare adds a new dimension to India’s growing defense capabilities, reinforcing its position as a formidable military power.
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