The BrahMos (PJ-10) is the world's fastest operational cruise missile and India's most formidable precision strike weapon. A joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, it is named after two rivers — the Brahmaputra (India) and the Moskva (Russia).

Flying at Mach 2.8 to 3.0 — nearly three times the speed of sound — BrahMos closes on its target so fast that an adversary has less than 20 seconds to react after detection at close range. This speed, combined with a sea-skimming flight profile (flying as low as 5 metres above the water), makes it extremely difficult to intercept.

How It Works

BrahMos uses a two-stage propulsion system:

1. Solid-fuel booster — fires the missile out of the launcher and accelerates it to supersonic speed

2. Liquid-fuelled ramjet engine — takes over for the sustained cruise phase, maintaining Mach 2.8+

The missile uses inertial navigation + GPS + terminal active radar homing to strike targets with devastating precision. The 200–300 kg warhead can penetrate reinforced ship structures.

Launch Platforms

BrahMos is unique in its multi-platform versatility:

Export & Global Interest

India began exporting BrahMos in 2022 — the Philippines became the first international buyer, signing a deal for shore-based BrahMos anti-ship batteries.

General Characteristics