BrahMos used in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, a high-precision military strike aimed at neutralizing hostile threats across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile may have been used for the first time in live combat during precision strikes on Pakistani military facilities early on Saturday, 10 May. As reported by The Indian Express, the Indian Air Force targeted several strategic locations deep inside Pakistan in retaliation to attempted airspace violations.

File photo: BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

The targeted bases included Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian. Additional damage was reported at Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad, and Sargodha airfields. Radar sites at Pasrur and Sialkot were also hit. Though there is no formal confirmation from the defence ministry, multiple reports suggest that the BrahMos missile was likely among the systems deployed alongside SCALP and HAMMER munitions.

What Is BrahMos and How Does It Work?

BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India’s DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya under the BrahMos Aerospace partnership.

The name “BrahMos” is derived from the Brahmaputra River in India and the Moskva River in Russia, symbolizing the collaboration. This two-stage missile uses a solid-fuel booster for initial acceleration and a liquid-fueled ramjet engine for sustained supersonic cruise.

The missile launches with a solid-fuel booster which detaches after take-off. A liquid-fuelled ramjet engine then propels it at speeds approaching Mach 3. It can cruise at altitudes of up to 15 km and strike as low as 10 metres above the ground.

It is designed to follow a “fire and forget” principle — once launched, no further guidance is required. The missile’s low radar signature and high kinetic energy make it especially difficult to intercept.

The BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility was virtually launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Singh said that BrahMos is among the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world.

“BrahMos is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world. BrahMos is not just a weapon — it is a message in itself. A message of the strength of our armed forces. A message of our deterrence against the enemy. A message of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our borders,” Singh said.

This makes it one of the fastest and most flexible cruise missiles in active military service today.

BrahMos by the Numbers

Standard BrahMos missiles have a range of 290 km. However, recent trials have successfully tested extended range versions exceeding 450 km and reportedly up to 800 km. Some future variants aim to strike targets as far as 1,500 km away.

Payload capacity ranges between 200 to 300 kilograms of conventional high-explosive warheads. The missile can be launched from air, land, sea, and underwater platforms.

Compared to subsonic cruise missiles, BrahMos delivers:

• 3x velocity
• 2.5–3x range
• 3–4x seeker range
• 9x kinetic energy on impact

These specifications make BrahMos a force multiplier for the Indian Armed Forces and a serious deterrent in regional conflict scenarios.

Deployment Timeline and Variants

BrahMos was first tested on 12 June 2001. The Indian Navy inducted its first BrahMos system in 2005 aboard INS Rajput. The Indian Army followed in 2007 with its own regiments, and the Air Force later introduced an air-launched version from the Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft.the missile has since undergone several upgrades and deployments :

• 2007: Indian Navy inducts ship-launched BrahMos

• 2010: Indian Army deploys ground-based BrahMos Block II

• 2017: First successful test of air-launched BrahMos from a Su-30MKI fighter

• 2020: Submarine-launched variant tested

• 2022–2024: Extended-range and export-ready versions tested and approved

India has also exported the missile to the Philippines, with interest from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil. The government plans to equip more Su-30MKI squadrons and naval vessels with BrahMos in the coming years.

Strategic Implications

The reported use of BrahMos in Operation Sindoor sends a strong signal—India is willing to use high-end missile technology in response to persistent cross-border threats.If confirmed, the May 10 strikes would mark the BrahMos missile’s combat debut — a significant shift in India’s approach to regional threats. Its use underlines the country’s readiness to employ advanced strategic assets when provoked.

While New Delhi continues to signal diplomatic caution, the message from the BrahMos launch is clear: India’s defence strategy is no longer limited to deterrence.

“Just Ask Pakistan”: Yogi Adityanath on BrahMos Power

While inaugurating the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath acknowledged the missile’s likely use in the weekend operation. He remarked, “You must have seen a glimpse of the BrahMos missile during Operation Sindoor. If you didn’t, then just ask the people of Pakistan about the power of the BrahMos missile.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

The newly opened facility is expected to significantly boost India’s defence manufacturing capacity and accelerate delivery timelines for new BrahMos systems.

Final Thoughts

The deployment of BrahMos during Operation Sindoor marks a pivotal moment in India’s evolving military doctrine. More than just a missile, BrahMos represents speed, precision, and power, backed by a collaborative global effort and cutting-edge technology.

With plans for new variants and international exports, BrahMos is set to remain a key player in both India’s defense strategy and the global arms landscape. Whether on land, sea, air, or in strategic dialogues—BrahMos is making its presence felt.

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