India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has once again demonstrated its technological prowess with the development of the world’s largest missile launcher and a cutting-edge hypersonic missile system. Dr. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, a distinguished scientist and former CEO & MD of BrahMos Aerospace, recently shared insights into these landmark achievements, highlighting India’s journey towards self-reliance in missile technology.
The Journey of BrahMos: A Testament to Indigenous Innovation
The BrahMos missile program began with a modest investment of $250 million and achieved its first successful flight test in 2001. Since joining the program in 2013, Dr. Mishra has overseen the development of various BrahMos versions-including ship-to-ship, land-based, and air-launched variants. A significant challenge was integrating the missile with the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, a task that took several years to perfect.
One of the most remarkable feats was the in-house creation of the world’s largest missile launcher by DRDO, reflecting India’s growing capability to design and manufacture complex defence systems domestically. Over 130 rigorous tests have refined the missile’s performance, with a focus on quality and reliability rather than just cost.
Hypersonic Missile: India’s Next Leap in Strategic Defence
Building on BrahMos’ success, DRDO is on the verge of unveiling an indigenous hypersonic missile capable of flying at speeds of Mach 5. This missile, powered by a scramjet engine developed entirely within India, promises to revolutionize India’s strategic strike capabilities.
The hypersonic engine was successfully tested recently, marking a major breakthrough. The missile is expected to achieve speeds between Mach 7 and Mach 8 with an extended range of up to 1,500 km, making it extremely difficult to detect or intercept.
BrahMos Next Generation: Compact, Fast, and Versatile
The upcoming BrahMos NG (Next Generation) missile will be significantly lighter, weighing around 1.2 tonnes compared to the current 2.9 tonnes, while maintaining high speed and precision. Its compact design will allow deployment from a wider range of platforms, including lighter aircraft and smaller naval vessels, enhancing operational flexibility.
Flight tests for BrahMos NG are planned for 2026, with production anticipated by 2027-28, underscoring DRDO’s commitment to rapid advancement and deployment.
Why BrahMos Stands Out Globally
Unmatched Speed and Precision: Traveling at nearly 900 meters per second with a circular error probability under 1 meter, BrahMos is almost impossible to intercept.
Complete Indigenous Development: Every component, including the launcher, has been developed in India, showcasing the nation’s self-reliance.
Global Demand: The missile’s proven reliability has attracted international interest, positioning India as a leader in missile technology exports.
Strategic Deterrence: BrahMos provides India with a powerful deterrent, capable of striking high-value targets swiftly and accurately.
Powering Bharat’s Defence Future
Dr. Mishra’s revelations highlight a transformative era in India’s defence sector, moving towards indigenous innovation and technological excellence. The development of the world’s largest missile launcher and the imminent hypersonic missile system mark significant milestones that will shape India’s defence landscape for decades.
India is poised to strengthen its position as a global missile technology powerhouse, ensuring robust national security and strategic advantage in the region.
India’s defence advancements through BrahMos and hypersonic missile technology reflect a blend of vision, perseverance, and cutting-edge science-qualities that define the spirit of a new, self-reliant Bharat ready to meet future challenges head-on.