Indian Army plans to order BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles with a strike range of more than 800 kilometres.
Defence sources said the order will cover land-attack versions of the extended-range BrahMos. The missiles will give the Army greater ability to hit targets deep inside enemy territory.
The current BrahMos missiles have a range of around 300 to 450 kilometres. The new variant uses a modified ramjet engine and other upgrades to reach beyond 800 km while keeping high speed and accuracy. The missile flies at speeds of nearly Mach 3.
Tests for the 800-km version are underway. Defence officials expect full development to finish by the end of 2027. Induction into the Army and Air Force could begin soon after.
The Defence Acquisition Council has cleared a proposal for around 250 such advanced missiles. Final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security is still needed.
A senior defence official said the longer range will strengthen the Army’s precision strike capability. The missile will help target high-value assets from safer distances.
BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, makes the missile. It can launch from land, sea, air, or submarines.
The extended-range BrahMos forms part of India’s efforts to modernise its armed forces. It supports self-reliance in defence production and adds to the country’s deterrent power.
BrahMos is one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles. The Indian Army already operates several regiments of the missile system. The new order will increase numbers and improve reach, especially along sensitive borders. This step fits into wider plans to build stronger missile forces for land, sea, and air operations.
