Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has highlighted the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile as a benchmark for India’s growing defence export capabilities, describing the system as one of the country’s most advanced strategic products with significant potential in international markets.
India has secured BrahMos contracts or agreements with three Southeast Asian countries—Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The Philippines became the missile’s first international customer, with deliveries already underway, while agreements with Indonesia and Vietnam are further expanding BrahMos’ presence across the region.
According to Singh, the BrahMos system has demonstrated its operational effectiveness during Operation Sindoor. Its export appeal has also been strengthened by the successful deployment of the air-launched BrahMos variant from Indian Air Force Sukhoi fighter aircraft. The Defence Secretary emphasized that the missile has considerable international market potential and could remain an important contributor to India’s defence export growth.
The Philippines has already received BrahMos systems valued at approximately ₹2,800 crore. The initial agreement with Vietnam is estimated at around ₹850 crore, while the deal with Indonesia is valued at approximately ₹1,700 crore. Collectively, these agreements could take the value of BrahMos exports beyond ₹5,100 crore.
BrahMos Strengthens India’s Defence Export Profile
The BrahMos program also includes the air-launched BrahMos-A variant, which has been integrated with the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighter fleet. This capability provides the missile with additional operational flexibility and expands its potential applications for precision strike missions.
Developed as a joint venture between India and Russia, BrahMos has emerged as one of the most prominent examples of India’s indigenous defence-industrial capabilities. Its combination of supersonic speed, precision strike capability, and long-range performance has generated interest among countries seeking advanced cruise missile technologies.
The expanding BrahMos order book reflects the broader growth of India’s defence exports. With Indian defence products increasingly reaching international customers, the missile has become an important symbol of the country’s ambitions to transition from a major defence importer into a competitive exporter of advanced military systems.
India’s growing engagement with Southeast Asian customers also highlights the strategic importance of the region for its defence export strategy. Continued BrahMos orders could strengthen defence-industrial partnerships while supporting India’s wider efforts to expand its presence in the global defence market.
The growing international demand for BrahMos, combined with its evolving variants and expanding customer base, positions the missile as a potential long-term contributor to India’s defence exports and strategic partnerships worldwide.
