New Delhi — August 6, 2025 — Under a humongous ₹67,000 crore defence package, in a path-breaking move to bolster its long-range strike capacity, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has sanctioned the procurement of over 110 BrahMos-A air-launched supersonic cruise missiles for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The purchase is under a humongous defence package that comprises cutting-edge armed drones and surveillance equipment.
From Operation Sindoor to New Arsenal
The order comes after the combat induction of the BrahMos missile in Operation Sindoor this year, during which the IAF used it to make precision attacks against terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan-occupied territory. The officials highlighted the missile’s unprecedented accuracy, velocity (nearly Mach 3), and destructive capability as major reasons behind the increased order.
The air-launched variant BrahMos-A will be integrated into the IAF’s fleet of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, with each carrying one missile under its belly. The 400 km range of the missile allows Indian pilots to strike prized targets without entering enemy territory.
Indigenous Production Push
According to the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision, the new batch will be produced domestically. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced that there will be a special production line for BrahMos in Lucknow, with greater local production and fresh jobs in the defense sector.
India already exports the BrahMos missile to friendly nations, with the Philippines as the initial foreign buyer. Defense analysts believe that the latest order will further enhance India’s status as both a consumer and seller of cutting-edge missile technology.
Why This Matters
Strategic Deterrence:
The high speed and low-altitude flight capability of the BrahMos missile make it notoriously difficult to intercept, giving India an effective deterrent against would-be adversaries.
Force Multiplier
Equipping more Su-30MKI squadrons with BrahMos significantly increases the IAF’s long-range strike prowess, especially in the event of a two-front war.
Self-Reliance in Defense:
Indigenous production eliminates dependence on foreign suppliers and ensures a constant supply line even in times of world crises.
Defense sources are not offering any information on when delivery would occur, though officials say that series production will be initiated around the end of this year, with the first missiles destined for the IAF likely to be delivered by late 2026. Integration and operational deployment on many air bases would follow.
Military observers note that this acquisition comes amid heightened regional tensions and signals New Delhi’s intent to maintain a qualitative edge in air power and missile technology over its adversaries.