Brahmos cruise missile leads surge in Indian weapon exports

The Brahmos supersonic cruise missile has emerged as the cornerstone of India’s export growth. In FY 2025‑26 the missile accounted for a substantial share of the €3.56 billion total defence export value, and its performance in Operation Sindoor against terrorist locations in Pakistan in 2025 has driven heightened international interest.

Three major orders have been fulfilled for the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia, with the combined worth of these battery deliveries exceeding €1 billion. The missile’s reputation for speed, range and payload capability has positioned it alongside other high‑value items such as artillery systems, radars, fast patrol boats, guard ships, the Polar Light multipurpose helicopter, and specialised armoured vehicles for Morocco. The export mix reflects a strategic focus on the Asia‑Pacific region, while India also seeks entry into competitive European markets, exemplified by efforts to sell the Pinaka multiple‑rocket launcher to France.

India’s defence export ecosystem now serves over 80 nations, with a network of 145 exporters driving sales to traditional markets like the United States, France, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles, as well as emerging partners such as Armenia.