India’s BrahMos Missile Possibly Used in Combat Debut
India may have used the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile for the first time in live combat during retaliatory strikes on Pakistan.
India’s BrahMos May Have Just Made Its Combat Debut in Pakistan Strikes
In a historic turn of military events, India is believed to have deployed its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in a live combat scenario for the very first time. The possible use of this advanced weapon came during a decisive retaliatory strike on Pakistani military targets early Saturday, marking a potential new chapter in the region’s high-stakes defense dynamics.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) executed precise strikes deep into Pakistani territory, hitting key air bases and radar installations in response to what New Delhi termed as “provocative” airspace intrusions by Pakistan. According to sources, the offensive likely involved a combination of state-of-the-art air-launched munitions, including the French-origin SCALP missile, the indigenously integrated HAMMER bombs, and possibly, the BrahMos — a joint Indo-Russian creation known for its blistering speed and accuracy.
Strategic Airstrikes Across Pakistan Signal Tactical Shift
Multiple Pakistani military installations came under fire, with reported damage at bases in Rafiqui, Murid, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sukkur, among others. Critical radar systems in Sialkot and Pasrur were also hit. Further reports suggested operational setbacks at airfields in Skardu, Bholari, and Sargodha, indicating a broad and coordinated Indian military campaign.
What makes this strike historically significant is the likely operational use of the BrahMos missile. While there has been no formal confirmation from the Indian defense ministry, defense analysts and local media have speculated that this marks the missile’s debut in active conflict — a development closely watched by global military observers.
BrahMos: A Supersonic Game-Changer
Named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, BrahMos represents a pinnacle of Indo-Russian defense collaboration. The missile is engineered for speed, traveling at nearly three times the speed of sound (Mach 2.8 to 3.0), and is equipped with stealth capabilities and advanced navigation systems.
Its two-stage propulsion — a solid-fueled booster followed by a liquid-fueled ramjet — allows the missile to maintain supersonic velocity throughout its trajectory. This rapid flight path drastically reduces the target’s response time, while its “fire-and-forget” feature ensures minimal exposure of the launch platform. With a range of up to 290 km and a warhead capacity of 200–300 kg, BrahMos is designed to deliver pinpoint strikes with devastating force.
Retaliation Amid Rising Tensions
The Indian strikes were launched after Pakistan attempted simultaneous air intrusions at over 26 locations along India’s western front, stretching from Kashmir to Gujarat. Though India reported minor damage to installations in Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur, and Bhuj, officials stated that air defenses largely thwarted the attempted incursions.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, alongside senior military officials including Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, emphasized India’s restraint — a stance, they said, would continue only if mirrored by Islamabad. Colonel Qureshi specifically condemned Pakistan’s attacks on civilian sites such as schools and healthcare facilities, calling them violations of international norms.
Countering Misinformation With Facts
Responding to Pakistani claims of having inflicted damage on Indian military assets, Indian officials released time-stamped satellite imagery to debunk these allegations. Airbases in Sirsa and Suratgarh, allegedly “destroyed,” showed no signs of impact, exposing what India called a “malicious disinformation campaign.”
India’s strikes, in contrast, were described as targeted, minimizing civilian casualties while focusing on military infrastructure — UAV launch points, command hubs, and radar systems. According to Wing Commander Singh, multiple high-speed missiles were observed heading toward Indian bases post-1:40 am, but most were neutralized mid-air.
A Potential Turning Point in South Asian Military Posture
If officially confirmed, the use of BrahMos would mark a paradigm shift in India’s military posture, underlining its willingness to deploy cutting-edge indigenous technology in real-time conflict scenarios. For decades, South Asia has operated under a delicate balance of power — one where symbolic shows of force often substitute for full-scale military action. The deployment of BrahMos, however, may suggest that India is re-evaluating that equation.
International analysts are watching closely. The BrahMos has already drawn attention from several nations looking to bolster their own defense systems, and its use in combat could increase export interest and strategic influence for India in global arms markets.
Final Thoughts: A Calculated Show of Strength
India’s latest air campaign against Pakistan sends a clear message: acts of aggression will meet swift and calculated responses. While the potential use of BrahMos elevates the technological narrative, the broader story is one of deterrence — a strategy aimed at securing peace through strength, not escalation.
As both nations assess the aftermath, regional stability hangs in the balance. The hope remains that diplomacy, not missiles, will dominate the headlines in the days ahead.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information and media reports as of the time of publication. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some operational details, including the confirmed use of the BrahMos missile, remain unverified by official defense sources.
source : The Financial Express