India is on the brink of concluding major defense export deals valued at nearly $450 million, set to supply its combat-proven BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to international partners. These imminent agreements underscore the success of India’s initiative to bolster its defense manufacturing exports. Developed collaboratively by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia, the BrahMos missile has garnered significant international attention, especially after its pivotal role in Operation Sindoor. During this operation, the missile system executed highly accurate strikes on several Pakistani air bases, leading to prolonged disruptions in their operations and showcasing the missile’s formidable capabilities.
According to defense sources, the $450 million in deals are expected to be finalized shortly, with expectations of many more orders to follow due to the missile’s significant global appeal. A recent appearance at the Dubai Air Show further heightened interest from international buyers, enhancing India’s status as a key exporter of cutting-edge missile technology. Following its effective use in combat, India’s Ministry of Defence authorized substantial BrahMos procurements for the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, including naval variants for Veer-class warships and ground and air-launched versions for Su-30 MKI fighter jets.
During Operation Sindoor, the BrahMos missile was the Indian Air Force’s primary weapon for precise strikes against terrorist infrastructure, including the principal headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Toiba located in Pakistan’s Punjab. The substantial damage inflicted upon Pakistani air bases prompted a defensive response from their military forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently lauded India’s indigenous defense systems, pointing to the BrahMos missiles as a prime example of the nation’s self-reliance drive. He remarked that Operation Sindoor demonstrated the world the strength of India’s homegrown weaponry, including its advanced missiles and air defense systems, embodying the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ spirit. The successful combat deployment of the BrahMos has not only fortified India’s defense posture but has also sparked considerable international interest, potentially marking the beginning of India’s ascendancy on the global missile export map.
