After Su-30MKI, IAF's MiG-29, Mirage, Tejas to carry BrahMos NG, Boosting India's Long-Range Precise Strike Capabilities against High-Value Targets

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to significantly upgrade its combat effectiveness by equipping several key fighter jets with the new BrahMos Next Generation (NG) missile.

This advanced, lighter version of the acclaimed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile will be integrated with aircraft including the MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and the domestically developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.

This move is anticipated to make the BrahMos NG a principal weapon in the IAF's arsenal, greatly enhancing India's ability to conduct precision air strikes.

The BrahMos NG is a product of BrahMos Aerospace, an Indo-Russian joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

Representing a notable advancement in missile technology, the NG variant weighs approximately 1.3 tonnes. This is a substantial reduction from the roughly 2.5 tonnes of the BrahMos-A, the air-launched version currently carried by the Su-30MKI fleet.

The lighter design of the BrahMos NG allows it to be deployed on a broader array of fighter aircraft, importantly including the Tejas, which is a central element of India’s efforts towards self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

The integration of the BrahMos NG onto the MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and Tejas aircraft will provide the IAF with enhanced operational flexibility and increased firepower.

Despite its more compact size, the missile maintains the core strengths of the original BrahMos, including its supersonic speed of up to Mach 2.8 (almost three times the speed of sound), high precision, and the ability to engage both land-based and naval targets with significant accuracy.

The capability to launch this versatile missile from various platforms will extend the IAF's operational reach, serving as a strong deterrent.

It is anticipated that the BrahMos NG will play a crucial role in reinforcing India’s strategic capabilities. As a primary deterrent weapon for the IAF, it will offer improved strike options against critical targets such as enemy command centres, naval ships, and heavily protected installations.

The missile is equipped with sophisticated guidance systems, features designed to reduce its visibility to radar (stealth characteristics), and high manoeuvrability, enabling it to overcome modern air defence systems. These attributes make it an invaluable asset in contemporary combat situations.

The process of fitting the BrahMos NG onto the MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and Tejas will necessitate some modifications to these aircraft. These changes will involve adapting the missile’s launch mechanisms and ensuring complete system compatibility.

The Tejas aircraft, in particular, is expected to benefit greatly from this upgrade, transforming the light combat aircraft into a more powerful strike platform.

This development aligns with India’s overarching goal of achieving self-reliance in the defence sector and follows the successful integration of the heavier BrahMos missile on the Su-30MKI fighters, which provided a template for air-launched cruise missile deployment within the IAF.

 

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[sanket]

Nice. Hope Tejas MK1A and MiG-29 will carry two BrahMos-NG under their wings, but I doubt Mirage-2000 can carry two BrahMos-NG. Most likely, the Mirage-2000 will carry one BrahMos-NG. BrahMos-NG being lighter in weight will allow Tejas MK1A and MiG-29 to carry at least two missiles, unlike BrahMos-A, which was heavier by weight and not possible to even carry a single one by Tejas MK1A as well as MiG-29. By shedding the weight of the supersonic missile and increasing the speed slightly, it will have more punch by integrating on all platforms of the IAF in the future, apart from the Jaguar, while the MiG-21 will be retired. This will make less burden on the Su-30 MKI, which currently alone carries this missile for the mission.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

Pakistan is getting 5th-gen jets, and our government is still showing ignorance. The J-35 is superior to any platforms available with the IAF. India desperately needs a stealth fighter jet. The F-35 is best but costly, but India can afford it. The Su-57 is not a proper 5th-gen jet but is cheap, but the US will put pressure if India chooses the Su-57. Whatever is decided, India should take a decision fast. We cannot afford both China and Pakistan flying 5th-gen jets nearby our border. We need a counter, because AMCA will not become a reality before 2040, and Tejas Mk2 will not induct before 2035. Buying 4th-gen jets in MMRCA does not make any sense. Buy a few squadrons, 2-3 of F-35s. It will give India a huge edge over both China and Pakistan. Indigenous programmes should be fast-tracked along with it.

 

[Karmic]

If we can add SEAD like HAMMER/SCALP to BrahMos, then it will survive as a reliable deterrent. China's sole mission now is to find an antidote for BrahMos. If we are getting so much reliant on this one weapon, then we need to make sure that it remains ahead of the enemy's development curve.

 

[Sandeep]

If we can add SEAD like HAMMER/SCALP to BrahMos, then it will survive as a reliable deterrent. China's sole mission now is to find an antidote for BrahMos. If we are getting so much reliant on this one weapon, then we need to make sure that it remains ahead of the enemy's development curve.

The Brahmos is better as it’s got the speed, range, terrain hugging flight path and anti interception capability.

It’s very hard to intercept the missile as none of their missiles are fast enough or can fly under the radar like the Brahmos can.

 

[Sandeep]

Pakistan is getting 5th-gen jets, and our government is still showing ignorance. The J-35 is superior to any platforms available with the IAF. India desperately needs a stealth fighter jet. The F-35 is best but costly, but India can afford it. The Su-57 is not a proper 5th-gen jet but is cheap, but the US will put pressure if India chooses the Su-57. Whatever is decided, India should take a decision fast. We cannot afford both China and Pakistan flying 5th-gen jets nearby our border. We need a counter, because AMCA will not become a reality before 2040, and Tejas Mk2 will not induct before 2035. Buying 4th-gen jets in MMRCA does not make any sense. Buy a few squadrons, 2-3 of F-35s. It will give India a huge edge over both China and Pakistan. Indigenous programmes should be fast-tracked along with it.

You need to stop publishing your fake propaganda and look at reality. China isn’t going to trust Pakistan with any of their stealth jets as they know the USA will pay Pakistan to have a good look at the technology, weapons and capabilities.

Also China’s stealth planes are not actually stealth. Our Sukhoi using 30 year old technology could see the so called stealth fighters from across the border. Chinese weapons, technology and capabilities aren’t as good as they say and it doesn’t perform like they claim it can.

The government has made many decisions. It’s ordering 200 Tejas MK1A and recently manufacturing the prototype for Tejas MK2 and will end up making another 200 jets. They are also manufacturing the AMCA prototype as well. They are also developing the TEDBF which is still being designed. What more can the government do? It’s up to the companies to manufacture the parts and develop the technology on time as they were contracted to do.

 

[Sandeep]

This will be a critical missile because it will allow our jets to carry more than one and we can integrate it with all of our jets. With this missile we should ensure that it maintains its Mach 3 fast speed but increase the range up to 500km but if it’s not possible then keep it with the 300km range limit. We should also 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture the missile with Indian content and with features like terrain hugging flight path, anti interception capabilities, resistance to jamming and use evasive manoeuvres.

Also we should look at whether we can install the Brahmos NG on all of our ships as well because the smaller size will allow us to hold more missiles. This will allow us to engage with more ships or attack on land in a heavy war.

 

[Sandeep]

Yes I have heard it was from 2017 right when Su 30 MKI has confirmed detect the J20 but still fight between 5th gen and 4.5 th gen is still not good idea , but we should look for the stopgap for atleast 2 squadron as AMCA will not be able to induct before 2035 .

You are also right on the stance of government, they did their job by funding the prototype and technology development. And now it's contractors responsibility to develop the technologies effectively and efficiently and development of these technologies takes time and nothing can be done on it.

Well we could have fast track the development by importing those technologies and assembling them.
And could have increase the indigenous content by ourselves of other hand

Right now they will start the Super Sukhoi program which will enhance the technology, weapons, equipment, using more composite parts and components and the capabilities of our Sukhoi jets by a huge amount. We can also paint it with stealth paint which will reduce the RCS by a big amount and while it’s not a proper stealth jet it will narrow down the difference between a 4.5th and 5th generation jet.

Also nobody except Russia is offering a stealth fighter and while the USA say it will sell the F35 jet to us they have been quiet on the details, technology and weapons. I doubt they will allow us to customise it according to what we want it to have. As a stop gap measure we can directly import 1-2 squadrons of their stealth jet but we need to look at the price, technology, weapons, engines, MRO facilities.

 

[Python]

If we can add SEAD like HAMMER/SCALP to BrahMos, then it will survive as a reliable deterrent. China's sole mission now is to find an antidote for BrahMos. If we are getting so much reliant on this one weapon, then we need to make sure that it remains ahead of the enemy's development curve.

Not necessarily. Even if AD is not neutralised they will be sitting ducks against brahmos.

 

[Swetank Bharti]

Right now they will start the Super Sukhoi program which will enhance the technology, weapons, equipment, using more composite parts and components and the capabilities of our Sukhoi jets by a huge amount. We can also paint it with stealth paint which will reduce the RCS by a big amount and while it’s not a proper stealth jet it will narrow down the difference between a 4.5th and 5th generation jet.

Also nobody except Russia is offering a stealth fighter and while the USA say it will sell the F35 jet to us they have been quiet on the details, technology and weapons. I doubt they will allow us to customise it according to what we want it to have. As a stop gap measure we can directly import 1-2 squadrons of their stealth jet but we need to look at the price, technology, weapons, engines, MRO facilities.

Well I don't know much technologies to be equipped in Super Sukhoi but I know some like indigenous made 'Virupaksha' radar, Stealth coating and use of more composite materials to lower the RCS of aircraft and Its kind of expensive so only 80 are going to be upgraded. Yes it will low the difference in 4.5 gen and 5 gen.

Russia has officially proposed Su 57E but Still there is no official proposal of F 35 from US.

Coming to my personal opinion for purchase of 5th gen aircraft we should Prefer Su 57 M instead of E version as it will have the stealth nozzle with AL 51 Engine and also Russia proposed for Local assembly of Su 57 in India, so we can also go further to negotiate for Indigenous technologies to be equipped on them.

 

[Swetank Bharti]

You need to stop publishing your fake propaganda and look at reality. China isn’t going to trust Pakistan with any of their stealth jets as they know the USA will pay Pakistan to have a good look at the technology, weapons and capabilities.

Also China’s stealth planes are not actually stealth. Our Sukhoi using 30 year old technology could see the so called stealth fighters from across the border. Chinese weapons, technology and capabilities aren’t as good as they say and it doesn’t perform like they claim it can.

The government has made many decisions. It’s ordering 200 Tejas MK1A and recently manufacturing the prototype for Tejas MK2 and will end up making another 200 jets. They are also manufacturing the AMCA prototype as well. They are also developing the TEDBF which is still being designed. What more can the government do? It’s up to the companies to manufacture the parts and develop the technology on time as they were contracted to do.

Yes I have heard it was from 2017 right when Su 30 MKI has confirmed detect the J20 but still fight between 5th gen and 4.5 th gen is still not good idea , but we should look for the stopgap for atleast 2 squadron as AMCA will not be able to induct before 2035 .

You are also right on the stance of government, they did their job by funding the prototype and technology development. And now it's contractors responsibility to develop the technologies effectively and efficiently and development of these technologies takes time and nothing can be done on it.

Well we could have fast track the development by importing those technologies and assembling them.
And could have increase the indigenous content by ourselves of other hand