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Power Move: Indian Army set to acquire 250 BrahMos Missiles for Enhanced Defense.
On March 19, 2025, reports indicated that the Indian Army and Indian Air Force were on the verge of a defense acquisition, with plans to purchase 250 BrahMos missiles. The deal, valued at approximately $2.4 billion USD, is currently under consideration by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The deal represents a portion of India's overall military budget for 2024, which is estimated to be around USD 72 billion.
The BrahMos missile, developed by the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace, is based on the Russian P-800 Oniks missile. It is among the most advanced systems in its category (Picture source: BrahMos)
While there has been no official confirmation from the Ministry of Defence regarding the military deal as of yet, the move to acquire such a massive consignment of BrahMos missiles underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities, particularly in light of increasing regional security challenges. The decision is expected to enhance both the offensive and defensive capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, reinforcing India’s position as a major player in global defense strategy.
The BrahMos missile, developed by the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace, is based on the Russian P-800 Oniks missile. It is among the most advanced systems in its category. Capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 2.8 and ranges between 300 and 500 kilometers depending on the variant, it stands out for its precision, stealth capabilities, and striking power. Powered by a liquid-fueled ramjet engine with a solid-propellant booster, the missile can be launched from land, sea, air, and even underwater. It carries a payload of 200 to 300 kilograms, comprising high-explosive or submunition warheads, and employs an inertial navigation system with active/passive radar guidance for terminal targeting. Since its induction into India’s armed forces in 2007, the BrahMos has become a cornerstone of its strategic arsenal while drawing interest from international buyers.
As previously reported by Army Recognition Group, India has sold three batteries of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines for its Marines, with talks of additional purchases. Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo hailed the acquisition as a major step in strengthening bilateral defense ties. Further strengthening India's position as a key player in the global defense sector, discussions around the BrahMos missile technology have expanded, with India poised to strengthen its missile exports. Notably, India is also in discussions with Vietnam for a potential BrahMos deal, and India and Indonesia are exploring defense cooperation, signaling growing interest in the BrahMos system across the region.
The acquisition of 250 BrahMos missiles by India, with a range between 300 and 500 km, has significant strategic implications, particularly for its regional security dynamics with China and Pakistan. Geopolitically, the enhanced missile capabilities would give India a stronger deterrent against both nations, particularly in terms of its ability to strike key military and infrastructure targets at medium ranges, enhancing its power projection and defense posture. Against China, it counters growing military influence in the Indo-Pacific and disrupts logistical networks. With Pakistan, the deal escalates the arms race, potentially prompting increased military spending and nuclear development in response.