New Delhi: India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is emerging as the biggest success story in the country’s defence export sector. The world’s only exportable supersonic cruise missile has attracted interest from several countries, with nations lining up to acquire the advanced weapon system.
Until 2022, BrahMos had no foreign buyers, but the scenario has changed rapidly. The missile now has two confirmed international customers, another major deal is close to finalisation, and at least half a dozen countries are showing interest in purchasing it.
After the Philippines and Vietnam, Indonesia is set to become the third major customer of BrahMos. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is also in talks with India for acquiring the missile system.
Indonesia Signs $200 Million BrahMos Agreement
BrahMos Aerospace and Indonesia’s Defence Ministry signed an important agreement on Tuesday. According to defence sources, the deal is estimated to be worth around $200 million.
Under the agreement, Indonesia will acquire two BrahMos missile batteries in a phased manner. The formal contract is expected to be signed soon.
A standard BrahMos battery consists of four mobile autonomous launchers, 12 ready-to-fire missiles, command posts, radars, and support vehicles.
Philippines and Vietnam Already Onboard
The Philippines became the first foreign buyer of BrahMos. In 2022, it signed a $375 million deal with India for shore-based anti-ship missile batteries, and deliveries have already been completed.
Vietnam later entered into a deal worth around $629 million for the missile system. India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed the development during the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore.
BrahMos Becomes a Strategic Weapon Against China
The countries purchasing BrahMos share a common strategic concern — all three, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, have maritime disputes with China in the South China Sea region.
These nations view BrahMos as a powerful deterrent against China’s growing naval influence and are looking to strengthen their coastal defence capabilities. Beijing has previously opposed the sale of advanced missiles to countries involved in territorial disputes.
Global Interest Increased After Operation Sindoor
International interest in BrahMos increased significantly after Operation Sindoor, during which the missile demonstrated its precision strike capability. The operation showcased the effectiveness of the weapon system and further boosted global demand.
UAE in Talks to Buy BrahMos
India is also negotiating with the United Arab Emirates for the export of BrahMos missiles and the Akashteer air defence command and control system.
Amid changing geopolitical equations following regional conflicts and evolving defence partnerships, Abu Dhabi is exploring options to reduce excessive dependence on Western defence systems.
Russia Also Shows Interest in BrahMos
Reports suggest that Russia is considering integrating BrahMos missiles into its naval warships. The move comes amid pressure on Russia’s missile inventory due to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Russia’s Role in BrahMos Export Deals
BrahMos Aerospace was established in 1998 as a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia.
India holds a 50.5% stake in the company, while Russia owns 49.5%. Approval from Moscow is required before exporting BrahMos to any third country.
During talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in December 2024, Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov reportedly gave approval for BrahMos exports to countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia.
Export Range Limited to 290 Kilometres
Under the rules of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), exported BrahMos missiles have a range limitation of up to 290 kilometres. However, India has developed versions with a range exceeding 450 kilometres for its own armed forces.
The missile can travel at around Mach 2.8 speed and can be launched from land platforms, warships, submarines, and Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft.
India Targets ₹50,000 Crore Defence Export Goal
BrahMos Aerospace is working on reducing the missile’s cost by around 20% over the next two years. The company is also developing the lighter BrahMos-NG, designed to be integrated with multiple platforms.
India has set a target of achieving annual defence exports worth ₹50,000 crore by 2029, and BrahMos is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this ambitious goal.