In a significant demonstration of India’s defense advancements, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently underscored the formidable power of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Touted as one of the world’s fastest and most sophisticated in its class, the missile’s capabilities were showcased as it was rolled out from the new integration and testing facility in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
A Stern Message to Pakistan
During the event, Rajnath Singh issued a clear warning to Pakistan, stating that the entire country now falls within the BrahMos missile’s reach. He remarked, “Every inch of Pakistan’s territory is now within the reach of BrahMos. 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 references a recent military operation where the BrahMos missile was effectively used against targets across the border.
Unmatched Speed and Versatility
The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India and Russia, is renowned for its incredible speed of Mach 2.8, which is nearly three times the speed of sound. Coupled with its precision-strike capabilities, it can engage targets at distances of up to 500 kilometers. An enhanced variant is also set to extend this range to 800 kilometers.
What makes the BrahMos particularly valuable is its adaptability. It can be launched from land, air, and sea platforms, making it a highly versatile asset for the Indian Armed Forces. Rajnath Singh further elaborated on its significance, stating, “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.”
Boosting Indigenous Defense Production
The new BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow, the second of its kind in India after Hyderabad, has successfully delivered its first batch of deployable missile systems. This facility is projected to produce approximately 100 missile systems annually, with an anticipated turnover of ₹3,000 crore starting next fiscal year. The Defence Minister proudly called the BrahMos not just a missile, but a symbol of India’s burgeoning indigenous defense capabilities, highlighting the nation’s transition from a defense importer to an exporter. He noted recent contracts worth ₹4,000 crore for BrahMos exports to two countries, signaling India’s growing stature in the global defense market.