On June 12, 2024, BrahMos Aerospace celebrated the 26th anniversary of its establishment, a landmark event that underscores the collaborative and innovative spirit of this Indo-Russian joint venture. Its formation in 1998 with an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia was driven by the need for a precision strike weapon, a vision brought to life by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr A Sivathanu Pillai. The agreement aimed to develop the world’s best supersonic cruise missile, combining the strengths of both nations’ scientific communities. Named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, the BRAHMOS missile epitomises this formidable collaboration.
The first successful test firing of the BRAHMOS missile took place on June 12, 2001 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the Chandipur coast in Orissa, in a vertical launch configuration. On June 13, 2004, BRAHMOS was fired from a mobile launcher. Under the leadership of Dr Pillai, the first CEO, BrahMos Aerospace established itself as a producer of a supersonic cruise missile system capable of being launched from land, sea, underwater, and air platforms.
Atul Dinkar Rane, the current CEO, and Dr Sanjeev Kumar Joshi, the Deputy CEO, have been leading BrahMos Aerospace since December 2021. Reflecting on their tenure, Rane emphasises their focus on three pivotal areas: meeting the requirements of the Armed Forces, harnessing export potential, and driving indigenisation. Their efforts have resulted in major contracts worth Rs 34000 crore which includes India’s first mega export order with the Philippines and the largest production orders from Indian Armed Forces.
Recent Domestic Deals
Indian Navy Contract: In one of its largest domestic deals, BrahMos Aerospace secured a substantial contract worth approximately Rs 20,000 crore from the Indian Navy. This deal includes the supply of advanced BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles, which will significantly enhance the Navy’s strike capabilities. The contract encompasses the delivery of missile systems that can be deployed on various naval platforms, ensuring comprehensive maritime security and dominance.
India has secured a $375 million contract with the Philippines for the BRAHMOS missile system, underscoring the missile’s unmatched capabilities. This deal marks a significant milestone for BrahMos Aerospace and paves the way for future international collaborations
Key International Deals
Philippines: The landmark deal with the Philippines, valued at approximately $375 million, marks the first major international sale of the BRAHMOS missile system. This deal includes the supply of shore-based anti-ship missile systems to the Philippine Marine Corps. The successful execution of this contract has opened doors for further collaboration and has set a precedent for other countries considering the BRAHMOS missile for their defence needs. The feedback from the Philippine Marine Corps has been extremely positive, highlighting the system’s effectiveness and the comprehensive training programs provided by BrahMos Aerospace.
Deals with other Countries
Indonesia: Negotiations with Indonesia are advancing well, with the country expressing strong interest in acquiring the BRAHMOS missile system. The potential deal with Indonesia is significant as it would further strengthen defence ties between India and Southeast Asia. The discussions focus on the integration of BRAHMOS missiles into Indonesia’s naval and coastal defence systems, enhancing their maritime security.
Several other countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region, including other African countries and Latin American countries have shown keen interest in the BRAHMOS missile system. BrahMos Aerospace is actively engaged in discussions with these nations, highlighting their confidence in the missile’s speed, reliability, precision and after-sales support. These potential deals will significantly boost BrahMos Aerospace’s global presence and contribute to regional stability.
Supporting the Defence Ecosystem
BrahMos’s success is deeply intertwined with the Indian defence ecosystem. The company’s emphasis on indigenisation aligns with the government’s “Make-in-India” initiative, fostering a robust industrial base. By 2024, the indigenisation level of the BRAHMOS missile system has reached close to 70%, thanks to successful flight trials of indigenous seekers, boosters, and other critical components.
BrahMos Aerospace also benefits from supportive government policies such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP). These policies have created a favourable environment for Indian defence industries to thrive and compete globally. The company is increasing the indigenous content in its missile systems, promoting self-reliance and strengthening the national defence industrial base.
BrahMos Aerospace recognises the complexity of the defence ecosystem and the importance of a robust supply chain. The company works closely with its industry partners to ensure a steady supply of high-quality components and subsystems. “My expectation from the industries associated with us is to increase their capacity to produce a greater number of components and sub-systems by investing more,” says Dr Joshi.
From its first successful test in 2001 to securing major international contracts today, BrahMos Aerospace has continually advanced its technological capability under visionary leaders. Current CEO Atul Dinkar Rane and Deputy CEO Dr Sanjeev Kumar Joshi are focused on meeting armed forces’ needs, expanding export potential, and enhancing indigenisation efforts
Addressing Challenges
While the high cost of BRAHMOS has been a concern, Dr Joshi highlights the missile’s value proposition. “BRAHMOS offers unmatched quality, reliability, and precision, with low maintenance costs and a long shelf-life,” he explains. The missile’s supersonic speed, reaching targets in a fraction of the time compared to other cruise missiles, significantly enhances its effectiveness in combat situations.
Capable of travelling at speeds of up to Mach 2.8, it can reach targets at 290 kilometres in approximately five minutes. This rapid response time is a crucial advantage in combat scenarios, minimising the enemy’s ability to intercept. Moreover, the missile’s hermetically sealed design ensures a long shelf-life with minimal maintenance, providing a cost-effective solution for military forces.
Future Prospects
BrahMos Aerospace is not resting on its laurels. The company is investing in next-generation missile systems, such as the BRAHMOS-NG, which will be lighter, smaller, and suitable for integration with a wider range of platforms, including next-generation aircraft, ships, and submarines. With continuous advancements, capability enhancement, robust supply chain management and a focus on expanding its global footprint, BrahMos Aerospace is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the defence sector. The company is committed to delivering state-of-the-art missile systems that enhance national security and foster international cooperation. “BRAHMOS is a testament to the power of joint ventures and collaborative efforts,” Rane concludes
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