India, Russia likely to push talks on new BrahMos variants during Putin’s visit — NG, 400-km+ versions in focus

India and Russia are expected to open a fresh chapter in their strategic defence partnership this week, with both sides likely to hold detailed discussions on developing advanced variants of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The talks are expected to take place during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India from Thursday, and will centre on lighter, aircraft-friendly versions of the missile as well as extended-range platforms capable of striking targets well beyond the current envelope.

The conversations come at a time when BrahMos has reaffirmed its role as a frontline weapon for the Indian armed forces. The missile proved decisive during the four-day Operation Sindoor against Pakistan earlier this year, prompting renewed focus on expanding the missile family and accelerating joint development programmes.

Focus on BrahMos NG for fighter aircraft

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India has been pushing for the next big upgrade - BrahMos NG (Next Generation) - a lighter, compact missile that can be carried by a wider range of IAF fighter aircraft. The NG variant is being designed to fit platforms such as the Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk-1A, Tejas Mk-2 and the future MRFA jets. With an estimated range of more than 400 km, the NG is intended to give the IAF a precision-strike option that does not require airframe modifications or structural reinforcements. Officials said the need for a lighter missile has been underlined repeatedly during internal assessments, especially after the operational lessons drawn from this year’s cross-border engagements.

Plans for extended-range versions

Alongside the NG, the two sides are also examining the feasibility of ultra-long-range BrahMos variants capable of travelling more than three times the current range. This is likely to include discussions on propulsion improvements, seeker upgrades and enhanced guidance solutions. Longer-range missiles would significantly extend the armed forces’ reach across land and maritime domains, particularly in the northern and eastern sectors.

A proven Indo-Russian defence partnership

The BrahMos programme has long been showcased as one of the most successful examples of India–Russia co-development in the defence space. Built on shared technology, manufacturing ecosystems and operational experience, the missile has been inducted across the Army, Navy and Air Force. In the run-up to Putin’s visit, officials from both countries have also explored deeper cooperation on hypersonic systems and long-range air-to-air missiles, signalling a broader push towards next-generation weaponry.

S-400 deal likely to move forward

India is also expected to clear its long-pending order for 280 missiles for the S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence system, after the platform proved its effectiveness during this year’s combat operations against Pakistan. The S-400 batteries - already deployed across key sectors - are a critical part of India’s layered air-defence grid and have been credited with neutralising hostile threats at multiple points along the border.

BrahMos exports gain traction

Beyond domestic deployment, India’s defence export ambitions continue to grow. The Philippines has already signed up for BrahMos shore-based systems, and New Delhi is pursuing fresh opportunities across Southeast Asia. With its high speed, accuracy and near-impossible-to-intercept profile, the missile has emerged as one of the most sought-after non-Western platforms in the region.