Brahmos just got its best export sales pitch

By Admin

31 May, 2025

India’s defense export ambitions just got their most powerful endorsement   from an unexpected source. After Operation Sindoor, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has not only demonstrated its military might but also gained a stamp of credibility that few marketing campaigns could ever deliver. A statement by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, made during a summit in Lachin, Azerbaijan, inadvertently became the strongest sales pitch yet for the BrahMos missile system.

Sharif admitted that India’s BrahMos missile strikes caught Pakistan completely off-guard, stating, “Before the hour reached, India again launched missile attacks, BrahMos, and hit Pakistan’s various provinces including the airport in Rawalpindi and other places.” This frank admission from a country hit hard is a resounding testament to the speed, precision, and stealth of BrahMos   qualities that no military buyer can ignore.

A Tactical Game-Changer

On the night of May 10, during Operation Sindoor, BrahMos missiles launched from Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKIs struck deep into Pakistan's territory. One of the most critical targets was the Nur Khan airbase near Rawalpindi   a hub for Pakistan's air command, mid-air refueling operations, and alarmingly close to its nuclear command center. BrahMos also reportedly neutralized the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters in Bahawalpur, further showcasing its pinpoint targeting capabilities.

The effectiveness of BrahMos in such high-stakes, real-time conflict demonstrates not just the deterrence capability of the missile, but its unmatched ability to evade detection and interception. With a speed of Mach 2.8–3.0 and a stealthy radar signature, BrahMos stands out as a next-generation strike option.

The Business of BrahMos: A Strategic Export Asset

Jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, the BrahMos missile has become the poster child of India’s military exports. Despite geopolitical challenges and sanctions on Russia, production remains steady, with India now sourcing over 70% of components domestically   a remarkable leap from the initial 15%.

Its export journey began with the Philippines, which signed a $375 million deal in 2022. The second batch of BrahMos systems was dispatched in April 2025. Meanwhile, India is in advanced talks with Indonesia and Vietnam, with potential deals valued at $450 million and $700 million respectively.

These strategic sales are not just about commerce   they represent India’s increasing footprint in the Indo-Pacific. As China continues to assert its dominance over the South China Sea, BrahMos becomes a symbol of strategic balancing. Nations like Vietnam and the Philippines, who face territorial threats from Beijing, now have a reliable option to deter aggression.

Operation Sindoor: Catalyst for Global Demand

Operation Sindoor has significantly boosted global interest in BrahMos. Countries observing the conflict saw a live demonstration of the missile’s real-world efficacy. The ability of BrahMos to reach hardened military infrastructure deep inside enemy territory   all while evading radar systems   is now a proven capability, not just a spec sheet claim.

This real-world success is being seen as a turning point in BrahMos’ export journey. It not only reassures current buyers but is likely to attract newer defense partners seeking high-speed, precision-strike weapons.

Next-Generation BrahMos in the Pipeline

Riding the wave of this success, India and Russia are already working on a next-gen version of the missile   BrahMos NG. Slated for production at the newly inaugurated BrahMos facility in Lucknow, this variant will maintain the 300 km range but offer a significantly lighter payload at just 1.2 tonnes compared to the original’s 2.9 tonnes.

This reduction in weight opens up remarkable possibilities. Su-30 MKIs will be able to carry multiple BrahMos NG missiles   up to five per aircraft. Land and ship systems can also carry twice the number of missiles, significantly increasing firepower at reduced cost.

According to BrahMos Aerospace, this scaled-down yet equally lethal version will be faster to manufacture and easier to deploy across platforms, ensuring a stronger supply chain for both domestic use and exports.

Conclusion: BrahMos Is India’s Strategic Soft Power

With Operation Sindoor, BrahMos has transitioned from being just a missile to a strategic asset of diplomacy and deterrence. It is now a vital part of India’s “Act East” policy, reinforcing military cooperation with nations facing regional threats.

Pakistan's unintended endorsement, successful deployment in combat, and rising global interest together make a compelling sales pitch. As India prepares for the next phase of defense exports, BrahMos is poised not just to dominate the battlefield   but the international arms market as well.