BrahMos 2.0? India, Russia eye deadlier, longer-range versions amid Putin’s Delhi visit

BrahMos

India and Russia may explore plans for next-generation variants of the BrahMos missile system during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi.

According to defence officials quoted by ANI, both sides see a growing need for lighter versions of the not-yet-inducted BrahMos NG, designed to be compatible with a wider range of fighter aircraft. Officials also indicated that discussions could include the development of extended-range models capable of striking targets beyond 400 km.

While the original BrahMos series was capped at around 290 km due to export-control norms, upgraded ship- and land-based versions have already pushed the range to between 450 km and 500 km.

The potential talks on advanced variants come at a time when India is expanding its missile export footprint. After sealing a landmark BrahMos deal with the Philippines, New Delhi is reportedly close to finalising another agreement with Vietnam.

In the lead-up to Putin's visit, reports suggested that India and Russia have also been engaging on cooperation in hypersonic technology and longer-range air-to-air missile systems.

What PM Modi and President Putin said in joint statement?

“Russia and India are conducting independent and self-sufficient foreign policy with like-minded countries in BRICS, SCO and other countries of the global majority…We are defending the main principle of the law enshrined in the UN,” said Putin, after the 23rd India-Russia annual summit.

Hailing India-Russia ties, PM Narendra Modi said, “Over the past eight decades, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs. Humanity has had to pass through many challenges and crises. And amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star…”

(With agency inputs)