New Delhi: BrahMos Aerospace is targeting 2027 or 2028 for the development of the first prototype of its next-generation BrahMos-NG missile. The company has also identified a missile with a range of 1,500 kilometres as part of its long-term roadmap, although the project remains at the conceptual stage.

In an interview with ANI, BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director Dr Jaiteerth Joshi said the BrahMos-NG system was currently under development. The next-generation missile is expected to incorporate a higher level of indigenous content, advanced materials and new technologies, requiring extensive research and development.

Joshi said the company was progressing according to its plans and would share further details once the system had been developed.

Foreign Interest in Air-Launched BrahMos

BrahMos Aerospace has also received interest from foreign countries seeking to integrate the air-launched version of the missile into their air forces. According to Joshi, some countries operating the Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft have expressed interest in the system.

He added that several countries had also shown interest in BrahMos-NG, which is expected to be developed initially in an airborne configuration. The company is currently holding discussions with interested parties.

1,500-Km Range Expansion on Future Roadmap

On plans to extend the missile's range to 1,500 kilometres, Joshi said BrahMos Aerospace was pursuing range enhancement in phases. He stated that testing from ground, sea and air platforms had demonstrated capabilities beyond the missile's original 290-kilometre strike range.

However, the proposed 1,500-kilometre version remains at the conceptual stage, with further upgrades being discussed with the company's joint-venture partner.

Focus on Production and Research

Over the next five years, BrahMos Aerospace plans to prioritise the completion of existing orders from the Indian Armed Forces, accelerate research and development, and strengthen its supply chain.

The company's production facilities in Hyderabad, Nagpur, Pilani and Lucknow are working to meet demand. Joshi also outlined plans to expand the supplier base for systems and sub-systems from the earlier one or two industry partners to as many as 45 sources, with the aim of improving capacity, quality and cost competitiveness.

BrahMos and India's Defence Exports

Joshi described BrahMos as a symbol of India's growing defence capabilities and self-reliance. He said the missile's operational performance had increased interest among foreign militaries seeking advanced weapon systems.

The report also highlighted India's defence export growth, which reached ₹38,400 crore, recording annual growth of 62.7%.

Meanwhile, on October 6, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with BrahMos Aerospace to procure fire control systems and launchers for Indian Navy ships. With a minimum of 68 per cent indigenous content, the project is expected to support greater participation by Indian industries, including micro, small and medium enterprises.

As BrahMos Aerospace advances its next-generation development programme, the focus remains on indigenous technology, production expansion, operational upgrades and potential international partnerships.