India, Russia in Talks to Locally Manufacture BrahMos Ramjet Engines

In a major step toward deepening defence cooperation and boosting indigenous production, India and Russia have entered into advanced discussions to locally manufacture ramjet engines for the BrahMos missile system. The move is seen as a significant milestone in India's quest for defence self-reliance and could substantially reduce the cost of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile.

According to reliable defence sources and reports from The Economic Times and Sputnik India, the talks are aimed at setting up local production lines for the ramjet propulsion systems used in both the standard BrahMos and the upcoming BrahMos-NG variants. The discussions come in the wake of India’s successful operational use of BrahMos missiles and increased export interest from Southeast Asian and Latin American countries.

Ramjet Production Likely at Lucknow Facility

The proposed engine manufacturing is likely to take place at the BrahMos Aerospace facility in Lucknow, which was inaugurated in March 2024 under the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor initiative. The ₹300 crore plant is already capable of producing 80 to 100 BrahMos missiles annually and is expected to play a central role in the production of advanced variants.

Russian officials are reportedly willing to provide complete technical support to localize production. This includes the transfer of know-how and test-bed integration of engine prototypes using Indian components.

Strategic and Economic Benefits

At present, the ramjet engine—previously imported entirely from Russia—constitutes a major share of the BrahMos missile’s cost, estimated at around ₹34 crore per unit. Indigenous production is expected to slash the overall missile cost and make it more viable for large-scale induction and exports.

A senior DRDO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that India is also developing its own Liquid-Fuel Ramjet (LFRJ) engines for future versions of BrahMos, as part of a broader effort to minimize import dependence.

“With more than 75% of the BrahMos now indigenized, the engine is the last big piece of the puzzle. Manufacturing ramjet engines locally will not only reduce cost but will also provide strategic control,” the official said.

BrahMos-NG and Future Roadmap

India and Russia are also expected to co-develop and produce the next-generation BrahMos-NG, a smaller and lighter version of the missile designed for fighter aircraft, submarines, and lighter land platforms. The BrahMos-NG is likely to benefit from the same localized engine manufacturing setup once the initial production stabilizes.

BrahMos Aerospace has already started early integration and testing efforts for NG variants. The Indian Air Force has shown interest in equipping Su-30MKIs and future AMCA jets with the BrahMos-NG, while the Indian Navy is exploring its deployment on frontline warships.

Export Boost

India's ambition to become a major global arms exporter is also expected to get a boost. With the Philippines already signed on as the first international customer for the BrahMos, and negotiations ongoing with Vietnam and Latin American nations, a cheaper, fully Made-in-India BrahMos could open new markets.

“Reduced dependency on Russian imports, combined with a competitive price, will make the BrahMos far more attractive on the global stage,” said Lt Gen (Retd) D. S. Hooda, a strategic analyst.

The ongoing talks between India and Russia to locally manufacture ramjet engines represent a landmark development for India's missile program and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. If finalized, the agreement would enhance India's strategic autonomy, reduce costs, and boost exports, while also cementing Indo-Russian defence ties for the foreseeable future.