BrahMos
The BrahMos is a ramjet-powered supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya through their venture BrahMos Aerospace, established under an inter-governmental agreement signed in 1998.[1][2] Named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, it achieves speeds of Mach 2.0 to 2.8, making it difficult for conventional defenses to intercept due to its low flight trajectory and high kinetic energy on impact.[2] The missile's first successful test occurred on 12 June 2001 from a land-based launcher, marking a milestone in Indo-Russian defense collaboration.[3] Capable of precision strikes with a circular error probable of approximately one meter, the BrahMos employs inertial navigation augmented by GPS and active radar terminal guidance for fire-and-forget operations.[2] It carries a 200-300 kg high-explosive or submunition warhead and supports versatile launch platforms, including mobile ground launchers, ships, submarines, and aircraft such as the Su-30MKI fighter.[2] Initial range limitations of around 290-300 km, imposed by Missile Technology Control Regime guidelines prior to India's 2016 membership, have been extended in operational variants to 450-500 km, with recent tests in 2025 demonstrating capabilities up to 800 km for enhanced strategic reach.[2] Inducted across India's Army, Navy, and Air Force since the early 2000s, the BrahMos has bolstered multi-domain strike capabilities and export potential, with the first major foreign sale to the Philippines in 2022 for a shore-based anti-ship system, followed by deliveries in 2024.[3] Its modular design facilitates ongoing upgrades, including lighter variants like BrahMos-NG and hypersonic successors under development, underscoring its role in advancing indigenous defense manufacturing while maintaining technological superiority in supersonic regimes.[1][2]Origins and Joint Development
Formation of BrahMos Aerospace
BrahMos Aerospace was established as a joint venture entity through an inter-governmental agreement signed on 12 February 1998 in Moscow between the governments of India and Russia.[4] The company resulted from the collaboration between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM), aimed at leveraging combined expertise in missile technology.[5] This partnership built on Russia's P-800 Oniks missile design, adapting it for joint development into a supersonic cruise missile tailored for multi-platform use.[6] India holds a 50.5% stake in the venture, with Russia owning the remaining 49.5%, reflecting a structure that ensures Indian control while fostering bilateral technological integration.[7] Headquartered in New Delhi, BrahMos Aerospace was tasked with the design, development, production, and marketing of the BrahMos missile system, emphasizing indigenous manufacturing capabilities alongside Russian propulsion and airframe technologies.[3] The formation marked a significant step in Indo-Russian defense cooperation, enabling technology transfer and co-production to enhance India's strategic deterrence without full reliance on imports.[8] Initial funding followed in 1999 with a development contract valued at approximately $250 million, split nearly equally between the two nations.[9]Conceptual Foundations and Technology Transfer
The conceptual foundations of the BrahMos missile emerged in the early 1990s, when India recognized the strategic necessity for advanced cruise missiles following demonstrations of their effectiveness during the Gulf War, prompting a pursuit of supersonic capabilities to enable rapid strikes with reduced enemy reaction times compared to subsonic alternatives.[10] This led to collaboration with Russia, leveraging proven supersonic ramjet technology to develop a versatile weapon system capable of multi-platform launches from land, sea, air, and submarines, emphasizing sea-skimming trajectories at Mach 2.8–3.0 speeds for enhanced penetration of air defenses.[2] The BrahMos design is directly derived from Russia's P-800 Oniks (also designated Yakhont or 3M55), a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile featuring a two-stage propulsion system: a solid-fuel booster for initial acceleration to supersonic velocities, followed by a liquid-fuel ramjet sustainer for cruise phase operation.[2][11] Adaptations for BrahMos included optimizations for Indian operational requirements, such as improved land-attack precision and integration with indigenous platforms, while retaining the core aerodynamic and propulsion principles of the Oniks to achieve low-altitude flight profiles that minimize radar detection.[11] Technology transfer occurred through the establishment of BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited as a joint venture in 1998, with India holding a 50.5% stake via the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia 49.5% via NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM), facilitating the sharing of Oniks design blueprints, manufacturing processes, and critical subsystems like the ramjet engine.[2][12] This arrangement enabled India to progressively indigenize components, including the active radar seeker, navigation software, and warhead integration, reducing foreign dependency while adhering to Missile Technology Control Regime guidelines; by the 2010s, over 65% of production content was sourced domestically through licensed transfers and co-development.[8] The initial development contract, valued at approximately $250 million split between the partners, was formalized in 1999, marking a structured pathway for intellectual property rights and production localization under the JV framework.[9]Technical Specifications
Physical Characteristics and Propulsion
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has a length of approximately 8.2 meters and a diameter of 0.67 meters in its ship- and ground-launched configurations, with a launch weight of 3,000 kg.[2] The air-launched variant is lighter at around 2,500 kg to accommodate aircraft integration.[13] It carries a conventional warhead weighing 200 to 300 kg.[2] [14] Propulsion employs a two-stage system, beginning with a solid-propellant booster rocket that provides initial acceleration to supersonic velocities shortly after launch.[11] This booster stage separates once the missile reaches sufficient speed, at which point a liquid-fueled ramjet engine sustains cruise flight, enabling the missile to maintain supersonic speeds throughout its trajectory.[11] [2] The ramjet design leverages incoming air for combustion, contributing to the missile's high efficiency at speeds exceeding Mach 2.8, with a maximum range of 290 km under international export restrictions.[15] Flight occurs at cruising altitudes up to 15 km, followed by a sea-skimming terminal phase as low as 5 meters to evade detection.[15] This profile combines high-speed dash and low observability for enhanced survivability against defenses.[2]Guidance Systems and Warhead Capabilities
The BrahMos missile utilizes an Inertial Navigation System (INS) for mid-course guidance, supplemented by GPS/GLONASS satellite signals and integration with India's GAGAN satellite navigation augmentation system to achieve high precision during flight.[16][15] This combination enables the missile to execute low-altitude sea-skimming trajectories at heights as low as 10 meters or higher-altitude paths, reducing detectability by enemy radar while maintaining course corrections against moving targets.[16] In the terminal phase, guidance shifts to an active radar homing seeker, which locks onto targets for final acquisition and impact, supporting both anti-ship and land-attack missions.[16][2] Software enhancements in Block-II and subsequent variants incorporate advanced autopilot algorithms, potentially including terrain contour matching for land targets, improving accuracy in GPS-denied environments.[17] The missile is equipped with conventional warheads weighing 200–300 kg, with surface- and submarine-launched variants typically carrying 200 kg payloads and air-launched versions up to 300 kg to account for platform constraints.[2][14] Warhead configurations include high-explosive semi-armor-piercing (HESAP) types for penetrating reinforced structures and submunition dispensers for dispersing cluster payloads over areas, leveraging the missile's Mach 2.8–3.0 velocity for amplified kinetic impact alongside explosive effects.[2][11] Although the payload capacity permits theoretical nuclear integration, BrahMos is operationally configured for conventional roles, with no official confirmation of nuclear deployment by Indian authorities.[2]Variants and Upgrades
Surface-Launched Variants
The surface-launched variants of BrahMos encompass configurations for naval surface combatants and land-based mobile systems, enabling both anti-ship and precision land-attack roles with the missile's Mach 3+ speed and standoff ranges up to 800 km in extended variants. These platforms leverage the missile's modular design for integration into vertical or inclined launch systems, supported by inertial navigation, GPS/GLONASS, and active radar homing for terminal accuracy.[2][16] In naval applications, BrahMos serves as the primary offensive weapon on Indian Navy destroyers and frigates since 2005, utilizing Universal Vertical Launcher Modules (UVLM) for stealthy vertical hot launches or quad-pack inclined launchers for salvo capabilities against multiple targets. The system supports fires from moving ships in sea-to-sea or sea-to-land modes, with fire control linked to the vessel's sensors. A successful land-attack test firing occurred on April 21 from a frontline warship in the Bay of Bengal, validating deep inland strike precision. Extended-range trials, including a 900 km demonstration in January 2024, have confirmed enhanced capabilities for surface platforms.[16][18][19] The Indian Army's ground variant employs the Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL), a Tatra truck-mounted transporter erector launcher carrying three missiles in ready-to-fire configuration for rapid deployment and relocation. Operational since June 2007, these systems form coastal and border defense regiments, with tests validating mobility and accuracy, such as a 2018 firing from Chandipur's Integrated Test Range. Recent advancements include 800 km range integration, with full induction targeted by 2027 to bolster tactical strike options. Exports, like the 2022 Philippines deal, feature similar mobile coastal batteries.[20][21][22][23][24]Submarine-Launched Variants
The submarine-launched variant of the BrahMos, known as the SLCM, enables vertical launches from underwater platforms, providing stealthy supersonic strike capabilities for anti-ship and land-attack roles.[25] This adaptation modifies the missile for integration into conventional diesel-electric submarines via modular vertical launchers installed in the pressure hull or, in next-generation configurations, torpedo tubes.[25][26] The variant underwent its maiden successful test firing on March 20, 2013, from a submerged pontoon simulating a submarine platform off Visakhapatnam, achieving a 290 km range in a vertical launch configuration.[27][28] The trial confirmed the missile's propulsion, guidance, and impact accuracy under underwater ejection conditions, marking India's first such supersonic SLCM demonstration.[29] Integration efforts target Project 75I submarines, successors to the Kalvari-class, with BrahMos Aerospace developing an extended-range (800 km) version compatible with these platforms.[26] The next-generation torpedo-tube variant is slated for tests in late 2025 to enhance flexibility for conventional submarines.[26] As of October 2025, while the Indian Navy's Arihant-class nuclear submarines prioritize ballistic missiles, the SLCM remains focused on non-nuclear platforms, with operational deployment anticipated following further validations.[26][30]Air-Launched Variants
The air-launched variant of the BrahMos, known as BrahMos-A, is a lighter configuration of the supersonic cruise missile designed for integration with the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, enabling standoff strikes against land and sea targets.[31] Weighing approximately 2,500 kg compared to the 3,000 kg of land-based versions, the BrahMos-A maintains the core ramjet propulsion and Mach 2.8–3 speed while incorporating modifications for aerial carriage and release.[32] The launcher system for the Su-30MKI was certified for integration in 2016, with successful validation on modified airframes.[31] The first flight test of the BrahMos-A occurred on November 22, 2017, launched from a Su-30MKI over the Bay of Bengal, demonstrating precision guidance and impact on a sea target at a range exceeding 100 km.[33] Subsequent tests, including one on May 22, 2019, confirmed reliable performance from medium altitudes, validating the variant's operational viability for the Indian Air Force.[34] At least 42 Su-30MKI aircraft have been modified to carry the missile, enhancing India's deep-strike capabilities with a standoff range initially capped at around 300 km due to Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) restrictions prior to India's 2016 membership.[35] Extended-range (ER) versions of the air-launched BrahMos have been developed to surpass 400 km, with the first successful ER launch from a Su-30MKI on May 11, 2022, targeting a simulated ship in the Arabian Sea.[7] A further test on October 18, 2023, validated the ER variant's ability to engage targets at 400–500 km using upgraded propulsion for higher-altitude cruise profiles.[36] These enhancements, achieved post-MTCR adherence, extend the missile's reach without compromising supersonic kinematics, positioning it as a key asset for rapid response scenarios.[37]Extended-Range and Precision Enhancements
The BrahMos Extended Range (ER) variant extends the missile's reach to approximately 450 km, surpassing the original 290 km limit through aerodynamic refinements and improved propulsion efficiency.[38] This upgrade maintains the supersonic speed of Mach 2.8 while enabling strikes on distant land and sea targets.[39] Successful tests of the ER version, including a 350-400 km sea-to-sea firing, demonstrated enhanced performance in evading defenses via hi-lo trajectories.[40] Further advancements target an 800 km range, achieved via a modified ramjet engine and propulsion optimizations, with tests conducted in October 2025 confirming viability for operational deployment by 2027.[41] [23] These enhancements prioritize conventional warhead delivery without nuclear escalation risks, expanding tactical flexibility for the Indian armed forces.[42] Precision improvements in recent variants incorporate upgraded guidance systems, including hybrid inertial navigation with active radar seekers, enabling pinpoint accuracy against stationary and mobile targets.[43] Block II and III upgrades refine these systems for better resistance to electronic countermeasures and terrain-following at low altitudes, with Block III specifically enabling steep 90-degree dives for hardened land targets.[44] The fire-and-forget capability, supported by advanced seekers, ensures circular error probable (CEP) in the meter range, validated through multiple integrated test range trials from 2020 onward.[45]Testing and Validation
Initial Flight Tests (2001-2010)
The initial flight tests of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile commenced with its first successful launch on June 12, 2001, from a stationary vertical launcher at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, where the missile followed a predetermined trajectory over 48 kilometers to precisely impact a sea target, validating core propulsion, aerodynamics, and inertial guidance systems.[3] These early trials, conducted by BrahMos Aerospace in collaboration with India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, focused on establishing baseline performance in anti-ship configurations at speeds exceeding Mach 2.5.[46] Subsequent tests expanded the launch envelope, including an inclined launch demonstration on June 14, 2004, from a mobile land-based launcher at ITR, which succeeded despite adverse weather conditions, confirming operational flexibility for army applications.[47][48] By late 2004, the army variant underwent its initial successful trial at Pokhran, emphasizing ground-mobile strike capabilities.[49] Over the following years, multiple firings—exceeding a dozen by February 2007—refined accuracy, sea-skimming profiles, and seeker performance against dynamic targets.[50] Naval integration advanced with the first ship-launched test on March 5, 2008, from INS Rajput, transitioning from vertical to inclined shipboard configurations and incorporating land-attack modes.[47] A March 29, 2009, trial further demonstrated precision in cluttered environments by distinguishing and striking a specific structure amid simulated urban structures.[11] Culminating the decade's efforts, a September 5, 2010, test from ITR established a world record for supersonic cruise in steep-dive mode, improving terminal-phase maneuverability for hardened land targets with impact velocities near Mach 3.[51] These tests collectively affirmed the missile's reliability across platforms, paving the way for operational induction while highlighting iterative improvements in guidance and control derived from empirical flight data.Advanced Platform Integrations and Recent Trials (2011-2025)
The Indian Air Force achieved a milestone in air-launched BrahMos integration with the first flight test of the BrahMos-A variant from a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter on June 25, 2016, validating the missile's compatibility with the aircraft's underbelly hardpoints and release mechanisms.[52] Subsequent trials advanced precision and range capabilities; on April 19, 2022, the IAF successfully test-fired a BrahMos missile from a Su-30MKI against a naval target in the Bay of Bengal, demonstrating pinpoint accuracy over extended distances in coordination with the Indian Navy.[53] Building on this, the extended-range BrahMos-ER variant was test-launched from a Su-30MKI on December 29, 2022, striking a ship target with high precision, confirming enhanced standoff capabilities beyond 300 km while maintaining supersonic speeds.[54] An additional extended-range air-launched missile (ALM) trial occurred on January 3, 2023, targeting a sea-based mock-up, which further validated the system's seeker upgrades for maritime strike roles.[55] Submarine-launched integrations progressed with the first successful underwater test of the BrahMos SLM variant on March 21, 2013, from a submerged pontoon platform simulating a Scorpene-class submarine's vertical launch system, achieving full range and terminal accuracy against a sea target.[56] This trial confirmed the missile's cold-launch mechanism, where it ejects via gas generators before igniting its ramjet engine, enabling stealthy deployments from underwater assets. Ship-based trials emphasized extended-range and land-attack modes; for instance, on March 5, 2022, the Indian Navy fired an extended-range BrahMos from the stealth destroyer INS Chennai, striking a land target over 400 km away, highlighting upgrades to inertial navigation and GPS-aided guidance for over-the-horizon precision.[53] Another verification occurred on April 20, 2022, from an upgraded modular launcher aboard INS Delhi, testing Block-III enhancements for vertical launch compatibility on older vessels.[57] Land platform advancements centered on the Block-III variant's steep-dive capability for high-altitude targets, with the Indian Army conducting its 25th user trial on August 15, 2011, from a mobile autonomous launcher (MAL) in Pokhran, achieving a 290 km range at Mach 2.8 with direct attack mode validated against simulated mountain bunkers.[58] Further refinements were tested on November 18, 2013, incorporating network-centric operations for real-time target updates, enhancing the missile's ability to maneuver at low altitudes before a 90-degree dive.[59] Extended-range validations continued, including a September 30, 2020, full-configuration test exceeding 400 km, focusing on ramjet efficiency and warhead penetration without violating prior MTCR limits at the time.[60] By 2025, ongoing trials for ranges up to 800 km with modified ramjet engines were reported underway, targeting operational readiness by 2027, though these built on Block-III's proven integration with army TELs for rapid deployment in contested terrains.[42]Combat Employment
Deployment in 2025 India-Pakistan Conflict
The 2025 India–Pakistan conflict erupted on May 7, 2025, following a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, primarily Indian tourists, prompting Indian punitive strikes under Operation Sindoor.[61][62] India initiated the operation with precision missile attacks on suspected terrorist camps and military targets in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province, escalating to a four-day exchange that ended in a ceasefire on May 10, 2025.[63][64] BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, fired from Indian Army ground-based mobile autonomous launchers, were reportedly employed for the first time in combat during these strikes, targeting Pakistani air bases and command facilities to neutralize threats and disrupt logistics.[65][66] Debris recovered in Pakistan, including missile fragments with BrahMos-specific markings, corroborated the use of at least several dozen such munitions, launched in salvos to overwhelm air defenses with their Mach 2.8 speed and low-altitude sea-skimming trajectory.[61] The strikes achieved high accuracy, with post-conflict assessments indicating destruction of key runways and ammunition depots at bases like Nur Khan and Rafiqui, though exact hit rates remain classified.[63] Air-launched variants from Su-30MKI fighters of the Indian Air Force supplemented ground firings, extending reach to deeper inland targets while minimizing exposure to Pakistani surface-to-air missiles; this integration highlighted BrahMos's versatility across platforms in a high-intensity scenario.[66][67] No naval launches were confirmed, as the conflict remained land- and air-focused along the border.[61] Pakistan's response involved Chinese-supplied systems but reportedly struggled against BrahMos's maneuverability, leading to minimal intercepts and underscoring the missile's role in achieving tactical surprise.[68] Indian officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, later credited the deployments with creating "significant space for conventional operations" by degrading enemy capabilities early.[63]Performance Analysis and Lessons Learned
In Operation Sindoor, BrahMos missiles demonstrated high effectiveness in penetrating Pakistani air defenses, with Indian military assessments reporting a strike success rate exceeding 90% against targeted air bases and command nodes, attributed to the missile's Mach 2.8 supersonic speed and sea-skimming trajectory that minimized radar detection time.[66][69] The fire-and-forget guidance system, combining inertial navigation with GPS updates, enabled precise impacts within 1-2 meters CEP, destroying multiple hardened structures without collateral damage beyond intended military sites, as verified by post-strike satellite imagery analyzed by independent observers.[70][61] Pakistani claims of intercepting several BrahMos missiles using HQ-9 surface-to-air systems, including recovery of debris from one incident on May 8, 2025, highlight vulnerabilities to advanced integrated air defenses, though Indian sources counter that these were decoy or older-variant launches, with core salvos achieving saturation overload on interceptors.[71] Such assertions from Pakistani defense outlets warrant scrutiny given historical tendencies toward inflated interception narratives to bolster domestic morale, while empirical debris analysis by neutral experts confirmed no full warhead detonations in claimed intercepts.[63] Key lessons include the missile's role in creating operational windows for follow-on conventional strikes by suppressing enemy radar and runways, as noted by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, who emphasized its contribution to de-escalation through demonstrated rapid-response capability without nuclear escalation.[63] Tactically, the deployment underscored the need for enhanced electronic countermeasures against evolving SAM threats, prompting accelerated integration of BrahMos with drone swarms for multi-axis attacks. Strategically, the combat validation spurred a surge in export inquiries, with two undisclosed nations signing $450 million deals by October 2025, affirming its deterrence value but revealing supply chain bottlenecks in scaling production amid heightened demand.[72] Overall, the engagement reinforced BrahMos's edge over subsonic alternatives in high-threat environments, though it highlighted imperatives for range extensions beyond 500 km to counter deepening enemy defenses.[73]Operational Deployment
Integration in Indian Armed Forces
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has been progressively integrated into the Indian Armed Forces since the mid-2000s, providing versatile land-attack, anti-ship, and standoff strike capabilities across ground, maritime, and aerial platforms. This tri-service adoption leverages the missile's common design for multi-platform launches, with the Indian Army focusing on mobile shore-based systems, the Navy on surface and subsurface vessels, and the Air Force on fighter aircraft modifications. Inductions have been supported by contracts from BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, emphasizing indigenous production ramps since 2019.[17]Indian Army Regiments
The Indian Army raised its first BrahMos-equipped regiment in June 2007, initially with shore-based launchers for coastal defense and land-attack roles along sensitive borders. Each regiment comprises approximately 65 missiles, five mobile autonomous launchers mounted on Tatra heavy vehicles for rapid deployment, and two mobile command posts for operational control. By 2018, five such regiments were operational, enhancing precision strike capabilities against high-value targets up to 290-400 km range. Deployments are concentrated in eastern and northern sectors to counter regional threats, with Block III terrain-hugging variants inducted for mountainous terrain efficacy. A March 2025 Defence Acquisition Council approval for 250 additional missiles, valued at ₹20,000 crore, targets further regiment strengthening and extended-range upgrades.[74][75][76]Indian Navy Vessels
The Indian Navy achieved initial operational clearance for BrahMos in 2005 aboard INS Rajput, marking the missile's first shipboard integration for anti-ship and land-attack missions. By 2025, 13 destroyers—including Delhi-, Kolkata-, and Visakhapatnam-class vessels—and 14 stealth frigates, such as Nilgiri- and Shivalik-class, are armed with vertical launch systems carrying 8-16 missiles per ship. Recent commissions like INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri in 2025 bolster this fleet, with plans to integrate BrahMos across the entire surface combatant inventory by 2030, incorporating around 300 missiles total. Submarine adaptations for Kalvari-class boats enable underwater launches, with all six diesel-electric submarines slated for equipping to extend covert strike reach.[30][77][18]Indian Air Force Aircraft
The Indian Air Force integrated BrahMos-A, the air-launched variant, onto Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters following platform clearance in 2016 and successful test validations. Two squadrons, totaling about 40 aircraft, were operational by 2025, enabling high-altitude, supersonic launches with reduced weight for extended fighter range. A October 2025 ₹8,000 crore contract via BrahMos Aerospace initiates upgrades for an additional 20 Su-30MKIs, expanding the fleet to 60 "MKI-B" configurations with 290 km-range munitions by 2027. This enhances deep-strike options from forward airbases, complementing the missile's sea-skimming and terrain-following modes.[31][78][79]Indian Army Regiments
The Indian Army raised its first BrahMos-equipped unit, the 861 Missile Regiment, in June 2007, becoming the world's first land force to induct the supersonic cruise missile system.[80] This regiment, part of the Regiment of Artillery, was equipped with the land-attack variant featuring mobile autonomous launchers (MAL) on Tatra truck platforms for rapid deployment.[74] Subsequent inductions expanded the arsenal, with the Army operationalizing a second BrahMos regiment by 2011, comprising approximately 65 missiles, five MALs, and two mobile command posts per regiment.[74] The 881 Missile Regiment followed as another dedicated BrahMos unit, focused on precision strike capabilities along border sectors.[81] By 2018, the Indian Army operated five BrahMos regiments, primarily the Block III variant with vertical launch configuration suited for diverse terrains including mountains.[75] These regiments are strategically positioned in western and northern commands to target high-value assets up to 290 km away, enhancing conventional deterrence. Additional regiments, including the 1889 Missile Regiment, have bolstered this force, with ongoing procurements for further units announced in 2016 to upgrade air defense and strike profiles.[81] As of 2025, at least four such regiments remain active, integrated with terrain-specific adaptations for mobility and survivability.[80]Indian Navy Vessels
The Indian Navy integrates BrahMos as the principal supersonic cruise missile on its frontline destroyers and frigates, providing anti-ship and land-attack capabilities with vertical launch systems.[82] Initial integrations occurred on Delhi-class destroyers (Project 15), which were retrofitted with eight BrahMos missiles each across the three ships: INS Delhi, INS Mysore, and INS Lucknow.[17] These upgrades enabled successful test firings, such as from INS Delhi using an upgraded modular launcher on 20 April 2022.[83] Kolkata-class destroyers (Project 15A), comprising four vessels—INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Chennai, and INS Calcutta—feature 16-cell vertical launch systems for BrahMos, enhancing strike capacity.[77] INS Chennai demonstrated reliability through multiple tests, including anti-ship mode in October 2020 and extended-range variant in March 2022.[84][85] The Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) follows suit with four destroyers—INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, INS Imphal, and INS Surat—each armed with 16 BrahMos cells, including dual-role extended-range versions; INS Imphal conducted a successful firing in November 2023 prior to commissioning.[86][87] Frigates also incorporate BrahMos, with Talwar-class (Project 11356) vessels—such as INS Trikand—equipped with eight missiles on select units among the seven ships.[77] Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates carry eight BrahMos each on their three ships, while Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) frigates, including INS Nilgiri which test-fired BrahMos, and seven planned vessels, integrate the missile alongside indigenous systems.[88] Emerging platforms like Next-Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) will mount four BrahMos each for littoral operations.[89]| Vessel Class | Number of Ships | BrahMos Cells per Ship | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi-class (Project 15) | 3 | 8 | Upgraded for BrahMos integration[17] |
| Kolkata-class (Project 15A) | 4 | 16 | Primary offensive weapon[77] |
| Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) | 4 | 16 | Extended-range capable[86] |
| Talwar-class (Project 11356) | 4 (of 7) | 8 | Selected frigates armed[77] |
| Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) | 7 planned | 8 | Includes recent test firings[88] |