India is set to enhance its precision strike capabilities with the planned induction of the new 800-km extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, expected to begin in just over two years. Additionally, the Astra air-to-air missiles, with a range exceeding 200 km, are slated for production by 2026-27. Current tests for the 800-km BrahMos, which features a modified ramjet engine, are ongoing to ensure its readiness by the end of 2027, according to defence sources.

The existing BrahMos missiles, which have a range of 450 km and travel at nearly three times the speed of sound, were recently used in targeted strikes during Operation Sindoor in May. A source noted, "The 800-km BrahMos is more or less developed in terms of the modifications to its ramjet engine. A few more tests are required to test the efficacy of its combination of internal INS (inertial navigation system) and external global navigation satellite systems to ensure high accuracy, resilience and resistance to jamming."

The Indian Navy plans to upgrade its current 450-km BrahMos missiles on frontline warships to the new 800-km variant with minimal software adjustments. The Army and Navy will be the first to induct the new missile, while the air-launched version will take longer to be operational.

In parallel, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on increasing the range of Astra Mark-2 missiles to over 200 km from the previous 160 km. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to induct over 280 Astra Mark-1 missiles, which have a range of 100 km. A source mentioned, "If the trials are successful, Astra Mark-2 production can begin in six months. Otherwise, it will take longer."

The IAF has plans to acquire an initial batch of 700 Astra Mark-2 missiles for its Sukhoi-30MKI and Tejas jets. Furthermore, the Astra Mark-3, featuring solid-fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) propulsion, is in development to extend the range to 350 km, but it will take three years to become operational.

The Astra series of missiles are crucial for the IAF as they aim to replace imported air-to-air missiles from Russia, France, and Israel. The recent strikes on terror hubs highlighted the need for advanced capabilities, especially after the IAF faced challenges from Pakistan's Chinese-origin jets armed with long-range missiles.

The total value of contracts with the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace has surpassed Rs 58,000 crore, establishing these missiles as key precision strike weapons for the IAF, Navy, and Army. Notably, a significant deal worth Rs 19,519 crore was signed last year for over 220 BrahMos missiles for the Navy. The land variant of the 800-km BrahMos will also be integrated into the proposed Integrated Rocket Force (IRF), alongside other missile systems like the Pralay ballistic missiles and long-range land-attack cruise missiles.