New Delhi, August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has emerged as one of India’s most sought-after defence export products following its reported performance during Operation Sindoor, with several countries showing increased interest in acquiring the weapon system, according to a report published by The Week.
The missile’s reported accuracy and effectiveness during the May 2025 military operation against terror infrastructure and military targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are believed to have strengthened its international profile.
According to the report, sources claimed that at least 15 BrahMos missiles were launched by Indian fighter aircraft during Operation Sindoor against Pakistani military installations, with the aircraft carrying out strikes without crossing the international border.
“The accuracy and lethality of the missile strikes were crucial in prompting Pakistan to swiftly call for a ceasefire,” the report quoted sources as saying, adding that BrahMos also demonstrated its ability to overcome Chinese-origin air defence systems deployed by Pakistan.
India had earlier signed a $375-million agreement with the Philippines in January 2022 for three BrahMos missile batteries. The report said negotiations with other prospective buyers gained momentum following Operation Sindoor, with Vietnam reportedly concluding a deal estimated at $629 million and Indonesia finalising an agreement believed to be worth between $200 million and $300 million.
The origins of BrahMos can be traced to 1997, when India identified the need for a terrain-hugging cruise missile capability. A team of 27 Indian representatives subsequently travelled to Russia to study technology associated with the country’s Onyx supersonic cruise missile.
India and Russia signed an inter-governmental agreement in 1998 to establish the joint venture that eventually became BrahMos Aerospace. The project, known as PJ-10 within the DRDO, brought together India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
Over the years, BrahMos has evolved from a closely guarded Indo-Russian programme into a major component of India’s defence manufacturing and export ambitions.
Production facilities are currently operational in Hyderabad, Nagpur and Pilani, while a newly commissioned facility in Lucknow has also begun manufacturing the missile. According to the report, each of the four facilities has the capacity to produce at least four missiles a month, with further expansion planned to meet rising demand.
The Indian government also plans to equip major naval warships and fighter aircraft with BrahMos. At least a dozen countries across Europe, West Asia, Latin America and Africa have reportedly expressed interest in the missile.
Meanwhile, development work is continuing on newer variants, including versions with underwater capability and a miniaturised variant. India also aims to integrate an increasingly indigenous BrahMos with homegrown fighter aircraft such as the Tejas and the upcoming LCA Mk 2.
The growing international interest in BrahMos is being seen as a boost to India’s ambitions of building a self-reliant defence ecosystem while expanding its footprint in the global defence export market.
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