Successful Bay of Bengal test makes BrahMos capable of hitting targets past Pakistan

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Southern Command of the Indian Army successfully conducted a combat launch of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in the Bay of Bengal. According to the Army, this test was not just a technical evaluation but was also aimed at demonstrating the missile's true capability in a war-like situation. The missile, flying at a speed of 3457.44 kmph, hit the sea-based target with an accuracy within a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of one metre. The Army described it as a strong demonstration of India's long-range precision strike capability and self-reliance and called it a moment dedicated to the spirit of 'Battle Ready India'.

Developed by the BrahMos Organization, the missile is a joint Indo-Russian project, named after the initials of the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers. Initiated in 1998, the project was first inducted into the Navy in 2005. The initial version had a range of up to 290 km, which was limited by Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) restrictions.

Its range was gradually increased after India joined the MTCR in 2016. An extended version with a range of 450–500 km was developed and successfully tested in 2017. In 2025, the combat long-range version with a range of 800 km demonstrated its capability, and was first used in actual combat during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The missile can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarines, which is why it is used by all three forces: the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Several important improvements have been made in the latest version –

-Range Increase: Now has a strike capability of up to 800 km, bringing major cities from India's west coast to Pakistan within its range.

-Weight Reduction: The missile, which previously weighed 3000 kg, has now become lighter, approximately 1200-1500 kg. This allows it to be carried by light fighter aircraft like the Tejas, while the Su-30MKI can carry four missiles simultaneously.

-Engine and Fuel System Upgrades: A modified ramjet engine and larger fuel tank allow it to fly at altitudes ranging from 15 km to extremely low altitudes of just 10 meters. This helps it evade radar detection.

-Indigenization: The targeting seeker, booster, and airframe have been developed by Indian companies.

-Dual Role Capability: The missile is capable of targeting both naval vessels and land-based targets.