Brahmos Missile and its Variants

Context: The next-generation BrahMos missile or BrahMos NG is approaching its first flight test, slated for 2026. The missile system is at an advanced stage of development with production set to commence in 2027-28.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Brahmos Missile and its Variants. 

Brahmos Missile and its Variants

1. Brahmos Missile: 

• World's fastest supersonic cruise missile.  
• Jointly developed by: DRDO (India) and NPO Mashinostroyenia (Russia), which have together formed BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.
• Key Features:
  • It weighs 3 tonnes (3000 kg) and measures 9 meters long.
    • The airforce variant is lighter (2.5 tonnes/ 2500 kg) 
  • Top speed: 2.8 Mach
  • Range: 290 kilometers 
  • Propulsion: Two-stage missile (solid propellant engine in first stage and liquid ramjet in second stage).
  • Launched from multiple platforms, including land, air, and sea with pinpoint accuracy during day and night, irrespective of weather conditions.
    • Fire and Forget principle of operation, difficult to intercept.
    • Stealth technology and guidance system. 
• Export Potential:
  • India delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines in 2024. 
  • Indonesia and Vietnam are soon set to ink a deal for the BrahMos missile. 

2. BrahMos NG (Next Generation): 

• BrahMos NG is a supersonic cruise missile. It is significantly smaller and lighter than its predecessor (original Brahmos missile). 
• Key Features:
  • It weighs 1.6 tonnes and measures 6 meters in length. 
  • Top speed: 3.5 Mach
  • Range: 290 kilometers 
  • Launched from multiple platforms, including land, air, and sea
  • BrahMos NG has a reduced radar cross-section, AESA radar that enhances its precision and stealth capabilities.
• Launch platform: Can be fitted in Tejas, Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, AMCA etc. 
• Expected induction: 2027-28. 

3. BrahMos-II Missile: 

• BrahMos-II is a hypersonic cruise missile.
  • Hypersonic Weapon Systems are advanced military technologies capable of travelling at extremely high speeds (typically Mach 5 or higher).
• Under joint development: DRDO (India) and NPO Mashinostroyenia (Russia).
• Key Features:
  • Expected speeds: over Mach 7 (possibly reaching Mach 8)
  • Expected range: around 620 miles (1000 kms).
  • Launched from multiple platforms, including land, air, and sea
  • Likely to have the same characteristics as Russia's Tsircon missile.
• Expected induction: Around 2028. 

Key Facts: 

• India is a party to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). 
• MTCR allows the country to develop a missile with a range of >300 km and weight >500 kg, but not to export it to other countries. 
• The export version of BrahMos is capped at 290 kms to comply with the MTCR restrictions of 300 kms.