IAF Expands BrahMos NG Integration to MiG-29, Mirage, Tejas
In a major boost to India’s precision strike capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to arm its MiG-29, Mirage 2000, and HAL Tejas fighter jets with the next-generation BrahMos missile, known as BrahMos-NG. This decision follows the successful integration of the missile with the Su-30MKI, currently the IAF’s premier multirole fighter.
The BrahMos-NG is a lighter, more compact version of the original BrahMos cruise missile. Weighing around 1.3 tonnes, it is suitable for deployment on lighter platforms, thereby expanding the scope of India’s air-launched strike capabilities. Its smaller size allows for faster maneuvering and enhanced deployment flexibility, enabling precision strikes at stand-off ranges.
With this strategic upgrade, the IAF seeks to strengthen its deterrence posture while ensuring it can effectively engage high-value targets in hostile environments, even from aircraft previously considered too light for such heavy missiles.
IAF Fighter Jets
The rollout of BrahMos-NG across multiple aircraft types marks a significant operational leap for the IAF.
MiG-29 Upgrade: The MiG-29, originally acquired in the 1980s, has undergone upgrades to the UPG standard. These upgrades include new avionics, air-to-air refueling capability, and compatibility with advanced weapons. The integration of BrahMos-NG makes the MiG-29 a more formidable asset for deep strike missions.
Mirage 2000 Evolution: The French-origin Mirage 2000 has served the IAF with distinction, particularly in the Kargil conflict. The aircraft’s robust design and agility make it well-suited to carry the new missile, enhancing its role from air superiority to deep strike with precision weaponry.
HAL Tejas Leap: India’s indigenous light combat aircraft, HAL Tejas, stands to gain tremendously. Its inclusion in the BrahMos-NG program signals the increasing confidence in India’s homegrown platforms and pushes Tejas into the elite league of multirole strike aircraft, significantly expanding its tactical versatility.
Indian Defense Upgrade
This expanded deployment of the BrahMos-NG represents a decisive step in India’s defense modernization efforts. It not only broadens the IAF’s stand-off weapon options but also strengthens its capability to neutralize enemy assets without entering heavily defended airspaces.
Additionally, this move aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting indigenous manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign weapon systems. With BrahMos-NG being jointly developed by India and Russia, its integration across platforms will also enhance interoperability and operational synergy in the Indian Armed Forces.
As regional security challenges evolve, the multi-platform deployment of BrahMos-NG reaffirms India’s commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent and a modern, agile air force ready to respond to any contingency.
