India's BrahMos program sparks fear in Pakistan; Islamabad think tank warns Munir and Shehbaz

Islamabad: Anxiety is mounting in Pakistan regarding India's BrahMos missile. The Islamabad-based Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), a prominent strategic research organization, has expressed concern over the development of India's BrahMos missile program. The organization has specifically alerted Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the BrahMos-NG, the future BrahMos-II hypersonic missile, and the long-range version capable of striking targets up to 800 kilometers away.

The Pakistan-based think tank CISS analyzes regional security trends and strategic developments. CISS states that the expansion of missile cooperation between India and Russia marks a significant shift in the military landscape of South Asia, a development that could heighten concerns, particularly for Pakistan.

Are New Versions of BrahMos being developed?

According to the think tank, the next generation of BrahMos missiles could pose new challenges for deterrence management and crisis stability across the region. The BrahMos missile has already established itself as one of the world's fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles.

The BrahMos missile is a crucial component of India's land, sea, and air strike capabilities. The introduction of new versions will enhance its flexibility and range. A key project among these is the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), a lighter and more compact version designed to be carried by various combat aircraft, such as the Tejas Mk1A.

What about BrahMos-NG and BrahMos-II Programs?

The reduced size and weight of the BrahMos-NG will expand deployment options, allowing aircraft to carry multiple missiles during a single mission. In addition to the BrahMos-NG, attention is also focused on the BrahMos-II program—a hypersonic missile being developed through India-Russia collaboration. Designed to travel at speeds far exceeding those of current supersonic cruise missiles, this futuristic weapon (BrahMos-II) could significantly reduce the time required to engage a target. This would make it difficult for existing air defense systems to intercept it.

What is the CISS Argument?

CISS argues that high speed, precision, and operational flexibility will impact the regional security balance. The think tank warns that as advanced precision-strike capabilities become commonplace, military and political decision-makers will have very little time to react during a conflict.

The think tank further notes that the long-range version (with an 800-kilometer range) will enhance India's precision-strike capabilities. The missile system's extended range and endurance could influence future military planning in South Asia; consequently, the global community should also pay attention to India's missile program.

Pakistan has consistently raised concerns regarding India's missile program, labeling it a threat to regional stability. However, for India, the modernization of the BrahMos is part of a broader effort to strengthen defense capabilities and maintain a credible deterrent against emerging threats.