BrahMos just got its best export sales pitch
After Operation Sindoor, India's supersonic BrahMos cruise missile is getting rave reviews — including an oblique compliment from the enemy which has experienced the might of BrahMos. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly admitted that BrahMos caught Pakistan unawares and struck several military bases deep inside the country. Speaking at a summit in Lachin, Azerbaijan, Sharif described how Indian strikes hit targets in Pakistan before it could mount its planned retaliation."We on 9th and 10th night we decided to respond in a measured fashion to Indian aggression," he said. "And we had decided that at 4:30 in the morning after Fajr prayers, Pakistan armed forces led very ably by our Field Marshal Chief Army Staff sitting here, Syed Asam Munir, to teach a lesson to our enemy. But before that hour reached India again launched missile attacks, BrahMos and hit Pakistan's various provinces including airport in Rawalpindi and other places."
Also Read: Shehbaz Sharif admits Pakistan caught unawares by Brahmos missile
Coming from the enemy which was hit hard, Sharif's statement can prove to be the best endorsement for BrahMos which is the centrepiece of India's military exports. Sharif's comment not only establishes the lethality of BrahMos but also proves its ability to escape Pakistan's radars and air defence. On May 10 SU-30 MKI-launched Brahmos missiles damaged Pakistan's northern air command-control network at Nur Khan airbase. It was India's strike on Nur Khan airbase, situated at Rawalpindi, that finally rattled the Pakistan military forcing them to approach the USA. Nur Khan is not only the home to the air refueling capability that kept Pakistani fighter jets in the air, but it is also near the headquarters of Pakistan's Strategic Plans Division, which oversees and protects the country's nuclear arsenal. BrahMos missiles have also reportedly been used to target JeM headquarters at Bahawalpur.
Jointly developed with Russia but largely manufactured in India, the BrahMos is one of the fastest and most precise cruise missiles in the world. Flying at Mach 2.8–3.0 with a 290–500 km range, it was used to strike high-value targets like radar stations and hardened bunkers in Pakistan. Its speed and low radar cross-section make it nearly impossible to intercept.BrahMos Aerospace was established through an inter-governmental agreement in 1998 as a joint venture between India's state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation and NPO Mashinostroyenia of Russia. The first trial launch of BrahMos missile took place in 2001. Various versions of this missile have been commissioned to India's navy, air force and army. Western-led sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine have not impacted BrahMos production or planning. Although BrahMos missiles still depend on Russian parts and raw material, the percentage of local input has gone up to over 70% from around 15% at the start of the venture.In April, India sent the second batch of BrahMos missile systems to the Philippines, following the first batch delivery in April 2024. The Philippines, which signed the $375 million deal with India in January 2022, is set to receive a total of three BrahMos missile batteries.India is currently in advanced talks with Indonesia and Vietnam. In January 2024, Indonesia's defence ministry expressed formal interest in acquiring the BrahMos missile system, potentially valued at $450 million. A similar deal is in the works with Vietnam, where India hopes to finalise a $700 million agreement in the coming months. Operation Sindoor is likely to boost the appeal of BrahMos for many other countries too.BrahMos export also serves India's strategic interest. An expansionist China's territorial claims in the South China Sea have put it in conflict with many countries. BrahMos export to these countries will help India take its resistance to maritime Chinese influence to China's own backyard.China claims most of the South China Sea but the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims. China has deployed hundreds of coastguard vessels throughout the South China Sea to patrol what it considers its waters, despite a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in a case brought by the Philippines which said the claim had no basis under international laws. There have been frequent faceoffs between the two sides in the past few years, prompting the US and Japan to also pledge support to the Philippines. Sale of BrahMos to the Philippines and most likely to Indonesia and Vietnam in future, will bolster India's Act East policy. More military capacity for these countries alters the balance of power in the South China Sea where China asserts its supremacy.Following the success of jointly produced BrahMos missiles in Operation Sindoor and subsequent conflict with Pakistan, India and Russia have launched negotiations for manufacturing an advanced version of the missile, as per a recent ET report. Russia, it is understood, has extended full technical support for jointly producing an advanced version of the missile in India, ET has learnt. Initial negotiations have already been held between New Delhi and Moscow on the issue.
Also Read: India, Russia begin talks on advanced BrahMos missile production
The newly inaugurated BrahMos facility in Uttar Pradesh has been identified for producing the advanced version of missiles, according to informed sources. The facility will produce missiles in substantial numbers. A BrahMos Aerospace Unit has been established in Lucknow at a cost of Rs 300 crore, with 80 hectares of land provided free by the government. The unit was inaugurated on May 11 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath."Initially, the Lucknow facility will roll out existing BrahMos missiles to meet increased demand, but its specific purpose is to manufacture BrahMos NG (next generation) missile," Sudhir Kumar Mishra, former CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, told TOI recently."The BrahMos NG will have a range of 300km, equal to the current missile, but will be significantly lighter, at 1.2 tonnes (1,200 kg) compared to the existing model's 2,900kg," Mishra said. "BrahMos NG would be integrated on Sukhoi 30. Currently, Su-30 can integrate only one missile, but with the NG version, five missiles can be integrated: four on Light Combat Aircraft. On land and ship versions, instead of three missiles, six or eight can be packed, thanks to the reduced size. This approach maintains effectiveness while increasing numbers and reducing costs, ensuring steady supply to the armed forces."
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Indian Express
4 minutes ago
- Indian Express
India not ‘tariff king', says Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal
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News18
14 minutes ago
- News18
A look at status of US executions in 2025
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Washington, Jul 26 (AP) Twenty-six men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S., and 10 other people are scheduled to be put to death in seven states during the remainder of 2025. The next scheduled execution is in Florida, when a man who killed his wife and two children is set to be put to death July 31. Florida also was the last state to execute someone, when Michael Bernard Bell died by lethal injection on July 15. Meanwhile, Florida recently set its 10th execution of the year when Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a death warrant for a man who abducted a woman from an insurance office and killed her 42 years ago. Kayle Bates is scheduled to be executed in August. Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and Utah also have scheduled executions for later this year. Executions have been carried out this year in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The number of executions this year exceeds the 25 executions carried out last year and in 2018. It is the highest total since 2015, when 28 people were put to death. The uptick in executions can be traced to aggressive Republican governors and attorney generals pushing to get through lengthy appeals processes and get executions done, said John Blume, the director of the Cornell Death Penalty Project. A sweeping executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office aimed at urging prosecutors to seek the death penalty and preserving capital punishment in the states also may have fueled the increase, Blume said. All but one execution this year has occurred in states run by Republican governors, with Arizona the exception. Here's a look at recent executions and those scheduled for the rest of the year, by state: Florida Edward J. 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A Tennessee judge ruled Tuesday that the state can deactivate the heart-regulating device at a hospital on the morning of his execution, rather than bringing a doctor or technician into the execution chamber. Black's motion related to his heart device came within a general challenge he and other death row inmates filed against the state's new execution protocol, which took effect this year. The trial isn't until 2026. Harold Nichols, 64, is also scheduled to die by lethal injection on Dec. 11. Nichols was convicted of rape and first-degree felony murder in the 1988 death of Karen Pulley in Hamilton County. Alabama An Alabama judge has postponed the execution of David Lee Roberts, who had been scheduled to be put to death by nitrogen gas Aug. 21. Roberts was convicted of killing Annetra Jones in 1992 while he was a houseguest at Jones' boyfriend's home in Marion County. Prosecutors said Roberts packed his belongings, stole money and shot Jones three times in the head while she slept on the couch. Roberts set fire to the home to hide evidence. A Marion County judge issued a stay so Roberts can have a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is too mentally ill to be put to death. The execution will be on hold at least until a report from the Alabama Department of Mental Health is finished. Geoffrey T. West, 49, is scheduled to die by nitrogen gas on Sept. 25 for the killing of convenience store clerk Margaret Parrish Berry during a 1997 robbery in Attalla. If carried out, it would be the nation's sixth execution by nitrogen gas, a method Alabama began using last year as an alternative to lethal injection. The method involves supplying nitrogen gas via a respirator mask to an inmate, causing the person to lose consciousness and die from a lack of oxygen. Utah Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, is scheduled to die by firing squad on Sept. 5. 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Roberson, 58, could become the first person in the U.S. to be put to death for a murder conviction tied to shaken baby syndrome. He was convicted of the 2002 killing of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in the East Texas city of Palestine. Prosecutors argued he violently shook his daughter back and forth, causing severe head trauma. His lawyers and some medical experts say his daughter died not from abuse but from complications related to pneumonia. Indiana Indiana set a tentative execution date of Oct. 10 for Roy Lee Ward, who was convicted of raping and killing a 15-year-old girl in 2001. But that date could change. Missouri Lance C. Shockley is scheduled to be executed on Oct. 14, according to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center. Shockley was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Dewayne Graham outside his home in Carter County in 2005. Testimony at the trial indicated Graham was killed because he was investigating Shockley for involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident. Ohio Earlier this year, Republican Gov. Mike DeWine postponed five executions scheduled for 2025. All five have been delayed until 2028. top videos View all In postponing the executions, DeWine has cited the state's inability to secure the drugs used in lethal injections due to pharmaceutical suppliers' unwillingness. DeWine has said that he does not anticipate any further executions will happen during his term, which runs through 2026. (AP) AS AS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 04:15 IST News agency-feeds A look at status of US executions in 2025 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
Invite to VCs part of saffronising universities: Govindan
Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretary M V Govindan said it was shameful for vice-chancellors to attend an RSS-organised Gyan Sabha attended by its chief Mohan Bhagawat. Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Govindan said the party would strongly oppose VCs attending the event aimed at continuing the state's saffronisation or communalisation. Inviting VCs was part of continuing saffronisation of universities, he added. "When EMS Namboodiripad was the chief minister, Kerala University vice-chancellor sought an appointment. But EMS said CM should ideally visit the VC. This is the tradition from which we come. But now, VCs are taking part in RSS meetings with enthusiasm. We strongly condemn this," he said. "Governor's saffronisation move has reached Sanskrit University. RSS members are notified as members of the syndicate. In Calicut and Veterinary University, the governor wants to induct Sangh Parivar members," Govindan said. Students' unions are protesting but UDF is not doing anything against saffronisation, something to be noted, he said. UDF seems ready to join hands with any religious supporters to weaken LDF, he alleged. Stating that state should be aware of the agenda, Govindan said society in general, democratic organisations and those inclined towards democracy are protesting against communalisation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 World's Prettiest Star In The History Half Eddie Read More Undo Govindan said US President Donald Trump urging companies not to employ Indians and the Indo-UK deal, which cut import duties, will adversely affect Kerala. "Trump's declaration violates personal rights and is unsuitable for a modern society. Kerala will be affected the most because educated youth work in different sectors across the world. Jobs are being denied to them. Despite such heinous decisions by US, including on tariffs, Indian govt is towing the line of imperialists. The India-UK agreement, which has come into force, will impact state's general and agri economy," he said. "As per the agreement, import tariff will come down from 15% to 3%. This will affect Kerala in the long run. It will lead to uncontrolled imports to the country, including to Kerala. Despite this, central govt decided not to do anything about this," he added. Meanwhile, Fraternity Movement, the students' wing of Welfare Party, of Jamaat-e-Islami, said they would resort to strong protests if the vice-chancellors attended the RSS meet. In a statement, Fraternity Movement said they wouldn't allow the 'Hindutva-ization' of higher education sector.
