BrahMos NG: India's Next-Generation Supersonic Cruise Missile

India's BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture with Russia, is advancing the development of the BrahMos NG (Next Generation) supersonic cruise missile. This next-generation variant aims to enhance India's defence capabilities with improved performance and versatility.

🔧 Key Features of BrahMos NG

• Compact Design: Weighing 1.6 tonnes and measuring 6 meters in length, BrahMos NG is significantly lighter and more compact than its predecessor, which weighed 3 tonnes and was 9 meters long. 

• Enhanced Speed and Range: The missile retains a range of 290 km and can achieve speeds up to Mach 3.5. 

• Advanced Guidance System: Equipped with an indigenous AESA radar seeker, the BrahMos NG offers improved targeting accuracy and reduced radar cross-section, enhancing its stealth capabilities.

• Platform Compatibility: The missile is designed for integration with various platforms, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, MiG-29K, Dassault Rafale, and the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. 

🏭 Production and Testing Timeline

• First Flight Test: Scheduled for late 2025.

• Production Start: Mass production is expected to commence by 2027–2028. 

• New Manufacturing Facility: A state-of-the-art production plant is under construction in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, with operations anticipated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026. 

🌍 Export Prospects

The BrahMos NG has garnered interest from several countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and nations in Africa and West Asia. Discussions are ongoing for potential export deals, aiming to strengthen defence ties and expand India's defence exports. 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the primary advantage of BrahMos NG over its predecessor?

The BrahMos NG offers a more compact and lightweight design, making it compatible with a wider range of platforms without compromising on speed, range, or lethality.

Q2: Which aircraft can launch the BrahMos NG?

The missile is designed for integration with various platforms, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, MiG-29K, Dassault Rafale, and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

Q3: When will the BrahMos NG be available for deployment?

The first flight test is scheduled for late 2025, with mass production expected to commence by 2027–2028.

Q4: Is BrahMos Aerospace planning to develop a hypersonic version?

Yes, BrahMos Aerospace is exploring the development of a hypersonic BrahMos variant. However, this project is at an early stage, and the timeline for its realization is yet to be determined.