What Is The BRAHMOS Missile? Know Its Speed, Range, Origin Country And More

By Ridam Sharma
Fri, 16 May 2025 01:52 PM (IST)

Source:JND

BRAHMOS Supersonic Cruise Missile: The BRAHMOS missile is one of the world's fastest and most technologically advanced supersonic cruise missiles. It is widely popular for its speed and accuracy. This supersonic cruise missile can be launched from land, sea and air. It was built through a special joint venture between Russia and India, according to the Drdo.gov.in. Additionally, the BRAHMOS missile highlights the strength and technological advancements of India's defence strategy. Let’s take a detailed look at this magnificent missile, from its speed and range to a lot more.

Origin Of The BRAHMOS Missile

BRAHMOS is a joint venture of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM), under the company BrahMos Aerospace, which was founded between 1998-1999.

The company name BRAHMOS is named after two rivers: India's Brahmaputra and Russia's Moskva.

Key Features Of The BRAHMOS Missile:

Here’s a list of key features like speed, range of BRAHMOS, according to the BrahMos Aerospace:

Feature	Details
1. Type	Supersonic cruise missile
2. Origin	India and Russia (BrahMos Aerospace)
3. In Service Since	2007 (Army Inductions)
4. Platforms	Land, sea, air
5. Warhead	200–300 kg (conventional, semi-armour-piercing, nuclear-capable)
6. Propulsion	Two-stage: solid rocket booster + liquid-fueled ramjet
7. Guidance	INS + SatNav (midcourse), active radar homing (terminal)
8. Accuracy	1 meter CEP (Circular Error Probable)

Speed Of BRAHMOS

Maximum Speed: BRAHMOS can reach speeds of Mach 2.5 to 2.8 (around 3,430 km/h), making it three times in velocity, flight range, seeker range and 9 times more kinetic energy than other subsonic cruise missiles.

Advantage: This phenomenal speed provides for quick engagement of targets, leaving opponents with little reaction time and providing tremendous kinetic impact.

Range Of BRAHMOS

Initial Range: Initial models of BRAHMOS had a range of as much as 290 km as a result of export control regulations.

Current Range: Upon India's accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the range was increased:

Standard operational range: 300–500 km, varying with the version.

Latest upgrades: Versions for the Indian Navy reach a maximum of 800 km.

Variants And Platforms For BRAHMOS

BRAHMOS is a multiplatform missile family with various variants:

Ship-launched: Employed on Indian Navy warships, in inclined and vertical launchers.

Land-based: Placed on mobile launchers for rapid deployment.

Air-launched (BrahMosA): Modified for Su30MKI fighter aircraft, with a range of a maximum of 500 km.

Future Variant: BrahMos II, a hypersonic variant, is being developed with a projected speed of Mach 8 and a range of 1,500 km.

Special Features Of BRAHMOS

Fire and Forget: Upon launch, BRAHMOS independently homes in on its target without any further input.

Stealth: With its low radar cross-section and seaskimming trajectory (flying a mere 3–10 meters above the waterline), it is difficult to detect and intercept.

Accuracy: With a CEP as low as 1 meter, it is capable of hitting targets with high accuracy.

Flexibility: It can hit both land and sea targets, with advanced models capable of making mid-flight turns for sophisticated missions.

Significance Of BRAHMOS

BRAHMOS is the first supersonic cruise missile in service worldwide and a game-changer for India's military. Its unparalleled speed, precision, and versatility give it a huge strategic edge, and it is thus a critical component of India's defence arsenal and a technology in demand globally.