India Set to Test Extended-Range BrahMos Air Variant
India is preparing for a major test of the extended-range BrahMos air-launched cruise missile in the Indian Ocean region between May 23 and 24, 2025. This high-precision strike weapon, developed by BrahMos Aerospace—a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya—is seen as a game-changer in boosting India’s deterrence capabilities and expanding the reach of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
“India likely to test extended-range BrahMos air variant in Indian Ocean region”
Test Preparations Over Indian Ocean Region
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued for a 510-kilometre-long no-fly zone near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, hinting at a high-impact missile test. The area is strategically important for India’s maritime dominance in the eastern Indian Ocean, and testing the extended-range BrahMos variant here sends a clear message about India’s growing strike capabilities.
The BrahMos air-launched missile is expected to undergo a full operational configuration trial, validating its aerodynamic performance, guidance accuracy, and integration with Su-30MKI jets.
Power Boost: From 290 km to Over 450 km
The BrahMos was originally restricted to a range of 290 km due to Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) limitations. However, since India’s entry into the MTCR in 2016, the door opened for enhanced range development. The upcoming air-launched test is expected to validate a range that exceeds 450 km, allowing Indian fighters to strike high-value targets deep inside enemy territory without crossing borders.
The missile retains its supersonic speed of Mach 2.8–3.0, making it extremely difficult to intercept, while its precision guidance system allows pinpoint targeting, critical in both conventional and strategic missions.
Integration with Su-30MKI: A Force Multiplier
The Indian Air Force has already inducted modified Su-30MKI jets capable of carrying the BrahMos missile. These aircraft have been structurally strengthened and equipped with specialized software to manage the missile’s weight and dynamics.
This combination—an air superiority fighter with a long-range cruise missile—provides the IAF with unmatched strike capabilities over land and sea. The extended-range BrahMos further increases stand-off distances, ensuring both pilot safety and mission success in contested environments.
Strategic Impact and Export Potential
Beyond operational use, the BrahMos air variant is also a major diplomatic asset. The Philippines has already acquired the shore-based version of the missile, and other ASEAN countries including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia have shown interest in the air-launched variant. A successful test could enhance export credibility and position India as a global supplier of high-speed precision-guided munitions.
