Indian Army to Strengthen Defense with Acquisition of 250 BrahMos Missiles in $2.4 Billion Deal
The Indian Army and Air Force are in the final stages of approving a significant defense acquisition procuring approximately 250 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, valued at around $2.4 billion. The proposal is under consideration by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and a meeting is scheduled to finalise its details. Although the Defence Ministry has not yet officially confirmed the purchase, the move reflects India’s commitment to strengthen its military amid growing regional security concerns.
The BrahMos missile, known for its high speed and precision, will enhance both offensive and defensive operations of the Indian Armed Forces. This acquisition will reinforce India’s strategic position on the global stage, ensuring stronger national security. Beyond domestic defense, India is also making strides in the global arms market. It has exported BrahMos missiles to the Philippines and is in talks with Vietnam for potential deals. These exports strengthen India’s international defense partnerships and establish the country as a key player in the global defense industry.
The BrahMos missile, developed by BrahMos Aerospace, is a supersonic cruise missile based on the Russian P-800 Oniks. With a top speed of Mach 2.8 and a range of 300 to 500 kilometers, BrahMos can strike targets with high accuracy. It is powered by a solid-propellant booster for initial acceleration and a liquid-fueled ramjet engine for sustained flight. This missile can be launched from land, sea, air, and even underwater, making it highly versatile. BrahMos carries a warhead of 200 to 300 kilograms, including high-explosive or submunition payloads. It uses an inertial navigation system with active and passive radar guidance to ensure precision strikes. Since its induction into the Indian Armed Forces in 2007, BrahMos has become a key part of India’s defense strategy. It has also gained global interest, with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam exploring potential purchases.
India’s acquisition of BrahMos missiles has major strategic implications, especially in its relations with China and Pakistan. With its high speed, precision, and range of up to 500 kilometers, the missile enhances India’s defense and serves as a strong deterrent against potential threats. The BrahMos missile improves India’s ability to target key military and infrastructure assets within medium ranges, strengthening its border security and overall combat readiness. This advanced missile system reinforces India’s position as a regional military power while ensuring better preparedness against evolving security challenges.