In a significant boost to India’s strategic deterrence capabilities, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile recently demonstrated a striking range of 800 km during successful tests conducted in the Bay of Bengal. With this enhanced capability, military analysts note, India now has the ability to target virtually any strategic or military installation within Pakistan, significantly altering the security calculus of the region.
The news of successful test and the increased range come against the backdrop of heightened tensions following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
BrahMos’ unique versatility allows it to be launched from land, sea, and air platforms, including integration with frontline combat aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, further amplifying India’s military options. Experts highlight that with an 800 km range, major Pakistani military bases, airfields, logistical hubs, and even nuclear facilities are within India’s precise striking capability, effectively reshaping strategic dynamics in South Asia.
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Developed jointly by India and Russia, the BrahMos missile—named symbolically after India’s Brahmaputra and Russia’s Moskva rivers—originally had its operational range capped at 290 km, adhering to guidelines set by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). However, following India’s formal entry into the MTCR in 2016, restrictions were lifted, enabling significant range extensions. The latest test firing, carried out between April 12 and 15, 2025, decisively confirms the missile’s new operational reach.
The BrahMos missile system, renowned globally for its supersonic speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0, combines high speed with pinpoint precision, enabling penetration of sophisticated air-defence networks. The recent advancements underscore India’s intent to maintain technological superiority, simultaneously signaling its doctrine of “credible minimum deterrence.” The ability to execute surgical strikes on high-value targets instead of causing mass destruction is key for India’s strategic flexibility and falls in line with its focus on using measured force only.
BrahMos evolution ongoing
The BrahMos project continues to evolve, with further tests scheduled in November 2025 aimed at refining stealth capabilities, maneuverability, and accuracy. Concurrently, research is underway on BrahMos-II, a hypersonic version capable of reaching Mach 6 to 7, which would further complicate defensive countermeasures for potential adversaries.
Source- timesnownew
Agencies
