SRINAGAR: India is preparing to induct an extended-range, 800-kilometre variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile within a little over two years, as extensive trials to test its upgraded propulsion and navigation systems near completion, senior defence officials said according to The Times of India report.
In parallel, production of the Astra Mk-2, an advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with a range exceeding 200 kilometres, is expected to begin in 2026–27.
According to defence sources, as per Times of India report, the new 800km BrahMos variant—equipped with a modified ramjet engine and improved navigation system combining internal inertial navigation and external satellite guidance—is undergoing a final phase of testing to ensure precision, reliability, and resistance to electronic jamming. The missile, which remains conventionally armed, is expected to achieve full operational readiness by the end of 2027.
The advancement comes months after the Indian Air Force successfully deployed the air-launched version of the 450km BrahMos from Su-30MKI fighter aircraft during Operation Sindoor in May, striking deep targets inside Pakistan. The upcoming 800km variant, capable of being launched from land, sea, and air platforms, will significantly expand India’s long-range conventional strike capability.
Officials said the Indian Navy and other services would be able to upgrade existing 450km BrahMos systems deployed on frontline warships and coastal batteries to the new variant with minimal structural modifications. “Only software and fire-control system updates, such as tweaks to the graphical user interface, will be required,” an official noted.
Meanwhile, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force are advancing the Astra Mk-2 programme, designed to target enemy aircraft and missiles well beyond visual range. Initial production is expected to commence in 2026–27, with plans to integrate the missile on Su-30MKI and Tejas fighter jets in its first phase of induction.
Defence analysts as per Times of India say the combined deployment of the 800km BrahMos and the Astra Mk-2 will substantially boost India’s deterrence and air-defence posture, providing greater flexibility for precision strikes and extending engagement ranges across multiple domains. They note that the dual induction marks a significant stride in India’s ongoing effort to achieve strategic autonomy in advanced missile systems.
Both missiles form part of India’s broader push towards indigenisation under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aimed at strengthening domestic defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. The BrahMos project, a joint venture between India and Russia, has already positioned India among the few nations capable of fielding supersonic precision strike weapons.
Observers say the coming years will be crucial as both systems move closer to full-scale production and operational deployment, further reinforcing India’s status as a leading regional military power.
