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After Operation Sindoor, all eyes on the BrahMos missile
Operation Sindoor of May 2025 showcased BrahMos as a combat-validated system, with multiple missiles launched and Pakistan's airbases targeted. The episode intensified global interest in BrahMos exports and established a new framework for defense relationships and future upgrades.
Why It Matters
A combat-validated weapon multiplies deterrence and drives a growing network of defense partnerships, altering regional and global procurement dynamics.
Timeline
10 Events
2028: Export projections for BrahMos reach ₹50,000 crore
2028
DRDO chairperson Samir V Kamat predicted BrahMos exports could reach ₹50,000 crore by 2028-29.
May 16, 2026: Export growth and long-term outlook
May 16, 2026
India's defence exports have surged; DRDO chairperson Samir V Kamat predicts exports could reach ₹50,000 crore by 2028-29, driven by BrahMos demand.
May 16, 2026: Vietnam poised to acquire BrahMos; regional expansion
May 16, 2026
Vietnam is set to become the second Asian nation after the Philippines to acquire BrahMos, with a deal valued at approximately ₹5,990 crore; India also plans broader defence relations including vessels and training.
May 16, 2026: BrahMos-NG first flight scheduled; export push continues
May 16, 2026
The next-generation BrahMos-NG is scheduled to have its first flight in 2026, with a 50% lighter airframe and an upgrade path intended to broaden export opportunities.
December 2025: Russia signals export openness for BrahMos
December 2025
Russia conveyed no objection to further BrahMos exports in a verbal assurance to Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh.
May 10, 2025: Pakistan planned retaliatory strike at 4:30 am; admission later in Azerbaijan
May 10, 2025
Pakistan's leadership reportedly planned a retaliatory strike for 4:30 am on May 10; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later admitted publicly in Azerbaijan that the plan existed.
May 9, 2025: BrahMos missiles reportedly deployed during the four-day conflict
May 9, 2025
India reportedly launched 15 to 19 BrahMos missiles during the four-day conflict; none of them could be intercepted.
Night of May 9, 2025: Pakistan faced a tight decision window during Operation Sindoor
May 9, 2025
Pakistan's military had a 30-45 second window to decide whether incoming missiles at Nur Khan airbase carried nuclear warheads; by the time the assessment was complete, 11 of Pakistan's 13 major airbases had been struck.
May 2025: Lucknow facility inaugurates BrahMos production capability
May 2025
The BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow was inaugurated, designed to produce 80–100 missiles annually with plans to scale to 100–150 next-generation variants; part of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor.
January 2022 — Philippines signs BrahMos deal for coastal defence batteries
January 2022
The Philippines became the first buyer of BrahMos coastal defence batteries under a $375 million contract signed in January 2022.