TLDR : India has tested a new version of the BrahMos missile that can hit targets 800 km away, almost double its current range. The missile works from land, sea, and air, and is expected to be fully ready by 2027. It gives India more power to strike deep into enemy areas with high speed and accuracy.
What Happened
- India successfully tested the 800-km extended-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
- The test was reported on October 19-20, 2025 by credible sources including The Times of India and Economic Times.
- The upgrade boosts India's precision strike capability from land, sea, and air platforms, nearly doubling the previous 450-km range.
- Missile maintains Mach 2.8-3.0 speed and sub-meter accuracy.
Technical Upgrades
- Features a modified ramjet engine and enhanced fuel efficiency for longer flight.
- Uses hybrid inertial navigation and GNSS satellite guidance to resist jamming.
- Fitted with an indigenous active radar seeker developed by Data Patterns.
- Compatible with ground, air, naval, and submarine platforms.
- Retains a 200-300 kg conventional warhead, with future nuclear-capable versions possible.
Operational and Strategic Significance
- The missile was combat-tested during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, launched from Su-30MKI jets, striking targets in Pakistan and PoK.
- Modi previously said:
- Indian Navy to receive upgraded BrahMos by 2027, with software-only changes to current launch systems.
- Air-launched version will follow after aerodynamic adjustments.
"Missiles like BrahMos and Akash have proven their capabilities during Operation Sindoor."
Indigenous Production and Export Push
- Over 70% of the missile is now indigenously made, reducing dependence on Russian components.
- A new ₹300 crore facility in Lucknow opened in May 2025, aiming to produce up to 150 missiles/year by 2028.
- India signed a $375 million export deal with the Philippines and plans further exports under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Related Missile Programs
- India is also upgrading its Astra air-to-air missile series:
- Astra Mk-2: 200+ km range.
- Astra Mk-3: Under development, with 350 km target range.
- Future plans include:
- BrahMos-NG (lighter, 800+ km).
- BrahMos-II (hypersonic, Mach 7+, 1,500 km), targeted for 2030.
Test Timeline Summary
Date | Range (km) | Platform/Test Focus | Outcome |
July 2021 | 760 | Sea-launched (Bay of Bengal) | Partial failure |
Jan 2022 | 780 | Air-launched (Su-30MKI) | Successful |
Jan 2024 | ~900 | Land-based; GNSS integration | Successful |
Early 2025 | 800 | Sea/Air; indigenous seeker test | Final validation successful |