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Navy Viewpoint
The latest revelation from the Ministry of Defence unveils critical details about India’s advanced BrahMos cruise missile variant, disclosing a per-unit cost of approximately Rs 34 crore/Rs 340 million ($4.85 million). This cutting-edge indigenous weapon system, a joint venture between India and Russia, has gained prominence for its supersonic speed and dual-role capabilities. The announcement, made on September 22, highlights the Indian Navy’s procurement of the ship-borne version of the BrahMos at an overall cost of Rs 1,700 crore (Rs 17 billion) under the Buy-Indian category. Notably, the BrahMos missile systems in question are designated as ‘dual role capable,’ signifying their capacity to engage both land-based targets and enemy warships. This disclosure not only sheds light on the cost structure of this formidable defence asset but also underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its indigenous defence capabilities.
The recent agreement between BrahMos Aerospace and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) marks a significant development in India’s defence capabilities, involving the supply of 35 combat and 3 practice BrahMos missiles for two Project-15B ships, namely INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao, currently under construction at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai. Sources within BrahMos Aerospace indicate that approximately Rs 200 crore (Rs 2 billion) is allocated for each destroyer’s missile launchers, command centre, and radar, leaving Rs 1,300 crore (Rs 13 billion) for the acquisition of 38 BrahMos missiles. This brings the cost of each missile to about Rs 34 crore/Rs 340 million ($4.85 million). Notably, this price tag surpasses earlier estimates for BrahMos missiles, which ranged between $3.2 million-$3.5 million. The increased cost is attributed to the enhanced capabilities of the latest BrahMos variant, with a range extending to 400 km, in contrast to the previous versions constrained by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to ranges below 300 km. India’s entry into the MTCR in 2016 has enabled the development and acquisition of longer-range missiles, reflecting a strategic advancement in the nation’s defence capabilities.
Air Force Viewpoint
The air-launched variant of the BrahMos cruise missile, known as the air-launched cruise missile (ALCM), presents a pricier alternative despite its unique features. Carried in an under-belly pod by the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter and developed collaboratively by the Indian Air Force (IAF), Hindustan Aeronautics, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation, this variant is lighter by half a tonne and shorter by approximately 50 centimetres compared to the standard BrahMos. Despite its compact size, the BrahMos ALCM stands out as the costliest variant, with the unit cost estimated at $5.5 million. One contributing factor to its higher price is its autonomous functionality in launch and command and control operations. Launched several hundred kilometres from the base, beyond the range of the regular BrahMos command and control centre, each ALCM operates with its command centre—a ‘peripheral control device’—to ensure the missile’s health before leaving the launcher.
Paradoxically, the BrahMos ALCM boasts the longest range among its variants, exceeding 1,000 km. Carried by the Sukhoi-30MKI for several hundred kilometres, it can travel 300-400 km under its propulsion system after being released from the fighter. While India actively promotes the BrahMos missile system in the Indo-Pacific region, with the Philippines being the only country to have signed a contract, priced at $375 million for the anti-ship variant, concerns arise about the cost competitiveness of the BrahMos. Comparisons with the latest variant of the U.S. Tomahawk missile, priced below $2 million according to Pentagon expenditure figures, suggest potential challenges in BrahMos sales to partner countries.
Land Army Viewpoint
The cost dynamics of the BrahMos missile system play a pivotal role in shaping its adoption and export potential. Priced between $2-3 million per missile, affordability emerges as a critical factor, potentially limiting the accessibility of the system to a select group of countries. The initial cost of the first BrahMos block II regiment, encompassing 61 missiles, 12-24 mobile launchers, and two mobile control centres, was $83 million, underscoring the comprehensive expenses involved in deploying the system.
Collaboration between India and Russia on the BrahMos project has been financially intricate, with India contributing a substantial $240 million to finalise the two-decades-long development phase. Despite efforts to export the system, the high price point has posed challenges, with no confirmed orders yet. The export success of BrahMos hinges on finding nations willing to invest in its advanced capabilities, given the associated costs.
The commitment to advancing the BrahMos system is evident in ongoing investments for future versions, notably the BrahMos 2. The decision to use a scramjet in BrahMos 2 aims to double the missile’s speed, heightening its defensive challenges. Concurrently, collaborative efforts involve technology transfer and joint manufacturing, enhancing India’s self-sufficiency in production.
In essence, while the BrahMos missile system offers cutting-edge features, its cost considerations present a delicate balance between advanced capabilities and broader accessibility. The collaborative and financial efforts of India and Russia underscore the strategic importance they attribute to the BrahMos system, despite the challenges associated with its price point.
This indigenous weapon system, known for its dual-role capabilities and extended range, is estimated to be priced at around $4.85 million or its equivalent in Indian Rupees.