MACH 9, 3x Faster: Deadliest Version Of BrahMos-2 To Counter China’s DF-17

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 10:48 IST

With a 1,500 km range and launch ability from land, sea, and air, BrahMos-2 outmatches China’s DF-17, boosting India’s regional power amid rising South Asia tensions

Powered by a scramjet engine, Brahmos-2 maintains hypersonic speed for extended periods using atmospheric oxygen. (Representative/AP)

India and Russia’s joint venture, Brahmos Aerospace, has accelerated the development of its next generation hypersonic missile, Brahmos-2, which is set to become the deadliest version yet, flying at speeds of 9 MACH. This new missile aims to provide a robust response to China’s DF-17 hypersonic missile.

Brahmos-2, which travels at approximately 11,000 km/h, is three times faster than the existing Brahmos missile and will significantly enhance India’s strategic power in the defence sector.

Blending Hypersonic Power With Radar Evasion

Powered by a scramjet engine, Brahmos-2 maintains hypersonic speed for extended periods using atmospheric oxygen. Its low-altitude flight and sharp combat manoeuvre capabilities allow it to evade radar detection. Additionally, its advanced stealth technology and guidance system render it nearly invisible to enemy radar systems, capable of destroying targets in less than a minute, making it exceptionally lethal in combat.

BrahMos-2 To Shift Regional Power Balance

The Brahmos-2’s range of 1,500 km and multi-platform launch capability, enabling deployment from land, sea, and air, surpass the capabilities of China’s DF-17 missile system. This development will strengthen India’s position in the regional power balance, particularly amid escalating tensions in South Asia.

Testing Phase And What’s Next

Recent reports indicate that initial testing of Brahmos-2 has commenced. The missile is undergoing further refinement in collaboration with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia. Capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads, Brahmos-2 holds strategic and tactical significance. This advancement will not only bolster India’s defence capabilities but also enhance its standing in the global arms export market.

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