SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Brazil is showing significant interest in the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) supersonic cruise missile, an advanced weapon system jointly developed by India and Russia. Designed to deliver Mach 3 speeds while maintaining a compact size, the BrahMos-NG is being viewed as a potential armament for Brazil’s Gripen-E fighter fleet. This missile, still under development by BrahMos Aerospace, is attracting international attention due to its unique combination of speed, size, and versatility.
The BrahMos-NG is a miniaturized version of the highly successful BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Weighing just 1.3 tons, it is comparable in size to many subsonic cruise missiles, yet capable of travelling at three times the speed of sound (Mach 3). This combination offers a significant operational advantage.
The Mach 3 velocity makes it extremely difficult for current-generation interceptor missiles to counter. Unlike subsonic cruise missiles, which are increasingly vulnerable to interception, the BrahMos-NG’s high speed ensures it reaches its target before adequate countermeasures can be deployed.
The reduced size allows integration into a wider range of platforms, including non-Russian aircraft such as the Saab Gripen-E, a key factor driving interest from Brazil and other nations. With a strike range of 290 kilometres, the BrahMos-NG is well-suited for precision strikes on high-value targets, making it an attractive choice for modern air forces.
The ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict has further highlighted the vulnerabilities of subsonic cruise missiles, even those with stealth capabilities. Subsonic missiles have been increasingly intercepted by advanced air defence systems, underscoring the need for faster, more survivable options like the BrahMos-NG.
India’s Indian Air Force (IAF) has strongly backed the BrahMos-NG program, positioning itself as the missile’s first customer. The initial variant under development will be an air-launched version, optimized for integration with fighter jets like the Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk1A, MkII and Gripen-E.
According to BrahMos Aerospace, developmental trials of the BrahMos-NG are expected to commence by 2026, with the missile becoming operational shortly thereafter. The IAF’s support for the program not only underscores its strategic significance but also ensures a strong domestic market, bolstering confidence among potential international buyers like Brazil.
BrahMos Aerospace which recently opened up its new facility in Lucknow plans to use that facility for the production of the new BrahMos-NG when it is cleared for production.
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