(Image source from: Economictimes.indiatimes.com)
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system from India has recently garnered attention following comments made by Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif. He claimed that the Indian military deployed BrahMos missiles during Operation Sindoor. In a public address in Azerbaijan, Mr. Sharif remarked, “On the night of May 9-10, we opted for a measured response to the aggression from India. Our forces were ready to act at 4:30 AM after Fajr prayers to deliver a lesson. However, before that time could arrive, India launched a missile attack with BrahMos missiles, targeting multiple regions within Pakistan, including the airport in Rawalpindi.”
The BrahMos missile system, which travels at three times the speed of sound, can engage targets located 400 kilometers away. It has been collaboratively developed by India and Russia but is solely manufactured in India. The air-launched variant, deployed from IAF Su-30MKI fighters from a squadron based in Tamil Nadu, played a crucial role in India's air offensive during Operation Sindoor, aimed at terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) resulting from the devastating Pahalgam attack on April 22. Following the execution of Operation Sindoor on May 7, the Pakistani Army retaliated with drone and missile strikes on western India, which were successfully neutralized. Subsequently, India targeted specific military sites deep within Pakistani territory.
In addition, the Indian Army's BrahMos launching units maintained a state of high readiness, and naval vessels equipped with the missile were also on standby throughout this period of escalation. Pakistan's inability to intercept the incoming BrahMos missiles, despite the presence of complex Chinese air defense systems, has raised significant concerns regarding its capability to handle India's expanding missile capabilities. Notably, this was not the first instance of the BrahMos missile entering Pakistani airspace, as an accidental launch in 2022 already highlighted its range and effectiveness.
Currently, India is advancing quickly to enhance the BrahMos program:
An extended-range version of the BrahMos missile, capable of striking targets up to 800 kilometers away, is being produced.
A submarine-launched variant is set to undergo further testing, making it operational within the context of India's P75I submarine initiative.
Development is underway for a lighter and more compact BrahMos designed for Rafale and other fighter aircraft.
Work is also progressing on a hypersonic version of the BrahMos, aiming to improve speed and survivability.
Furthermore, India has successfully supplied BrahMos missiles to the Philippines, and interest has been expressed from several Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, as well as nations in the Middle East regarding these missile systems.
