Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently issued a potent reminder to Pakistan about the formidable range and advanced capabilities of India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, widely recognized as one of the world’s fastest and most sophisticated in its class. This statement comes as India celebrates a significant milestone in its defense manufacturing prowess.
The BrahMos missile has solidified its position as a cornerstone of India’s defense arsenal. Rajnath Singh marked the occasion by overseeing the rollout of the first batch of missiles from a new integration and testing facility in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. This facility is the second of its kind in India, with the first being in Hyderabad.
A Stark Warning and a Symbol of Progress
During the event, Singh issued a stern warning, stating, “Every inch of Pakistan’s territory is now within the reach of BrahMos.” He further elaborated, referencing a recent military operation, “Operation Sindoor is proof that victory has become a habit for us, and now we must further enhance our capabilities. The operation was just a trailer. It has made Pakistan realise what might follow.” This statement underscores the missile’s strategic significance and its role in India’s security posture.
The BrahMos missile, a product of collaboration between India and Russia, is renowned for its exceptional speed of Mach 2.8—nearly three times the speed of sound—and its pinpoint accuracy. Current variants can strike targets up to 500 kilometers away, with future iterations expected to extend this range to 800 kilometers. Its versatility is a key asset, as it can be launched from land, air, and sea platforms, making it a highly adaptable weapon system for the Indian Armed Forces.
“The missile features a traditional warhead and an advanced guided system and possesses the capability to strike long distances at supersonic speeds. This combination of speed, accuracy, and power makes BrahMos one of the best systems in the world. It has become the backbone of our armed forces,” Singh remarked, proudly calling the missile a testament to India’s expanding indigenous defense production capabilities.
The Lucknow facility, inaugurated just five months prior, is anticipated to produce approximately 100 missile systems annually, projecting a turnover of ₹3,000 crore starting from the next financial year. Singh also highlighted India’s shift from being a defense importer to an exporter, citing the recent export of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines and ongoing cooperation discussions with other nations. BrahMos Aerospace has reportedly secured contracts worth ₹4,000 crore with two countries in the past month alone, signaling India’s growing influence in the global defense market.