SOURCE: AFI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to commence trials of the highly anticipated BrahMos-Next Generation (NG), a Mach 3.5 capable Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), by mid-2026. According to sources, the missile is expected to be cleared for production within a year of its first trial, marking a significant milestone in India’s quest for advanced precision-strike capabilities.
The BrahMos-NG, a lighter and more versatile variant of the original BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, is designed for integration with a range of platforms, including fighter jets like the Tejas Mk1A, Su-30 MKI, and future aircraft such as the AMCA. DRDO plans to conduct at least three user-cum-developmental trials in full combat configuration to rigorously test the missile’s performance under real-world launch parameters. This accelerated testing approach aims to streamline development and reduce the time to induction.
The trials, scheduled to begin in July 2026, will evaluate the missile’s guidance systems, propulsion, and warhead effectiveness, ensuring it meets the Indian Air Force’s stringent requirements for high-speed, long-range precision strikes. With a projected production clearance by mid-2027, the BrahMos-NG is poised to enhance India’s deterrence capabilities, offering a compact yet lethal option for engaging high-value targets deep within enemy territory.
The BrahMos-NG’s development underscores India’s growing expertise in missile technology and its commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. As the DRDO fast-tracks this next-generation weapon system, the Indian armed forces are set to gain a formidable edge in modern warfare, further solidifying the BrahMos family’s reputation as a game-changer in strategic operations.
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