BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian joint venture, is set to significantly enhance the capabilities of its BrahMos-A air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) with a range extension to nearly 800km. This upgrade will further solidify the BrahMos-A's position as one of the world's most formidable precision strike weapons.
Currently, the BrahMos-A has a range of 450km and is deployed on 40 Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter jets. The IAF plans to equip an additional 20 Su-30MKIs, bringing the total number of BrahMos-A capable aircraft to 60.
This extended range will provide the IAF with a significant boost in its long-range strike capabilities, enabling it to engage targets at greater standoff distances.
The BrahMos-A is renowned for its supersonic speed, advanced navigation system, and pinpoint accuracy, making it a potent weapon against high-value targets such as enemy installations, naval vessels, and strategic assets.
This range upgrade, expected to be achieved through advancements in missile propulsion and fuel efficiency, will greatly expand the missile's operational envelope and strategic value.
To ensure the extended-range variant's reliability and performance, BrahMos Aerospace has planned a series of developmental trials starting in 2026.
These trials will involve testing the missile under various conditions, evaluating its propulsion efficiency at the new range, and confirming the accuracy and reliability of its targeting systems over extended distances.
This 800km-range BrahMos-A will be a crucial addition to India's strategic arsenal, providing a high-impact, low-risk strike capability.
Its combination of speed, range, and precision will act as a powerful deterrent and offer the IAF greater operational flexibility in countering potential threats.
