India equips Su‑30MKI fighters with BrahMos missiles, boosting long‑range strike capability

India is accelerating its long‑range strike capability as part of a broader defence modernisation focused on deterring China and addressing security challenges from Pakistan. A recent SIPRI‑based assessment highlighted a 7.5 % rise in Indian military spending to $92 billion in 2025, making it the world’s fifth‑largest spender and noting an estimated arsenal of around 190 nuclear warheads.

The report said India has moved beyond earlier nuclear‑capable missiles with 2,000 km range, now fielding systems that can reach 3,000 km and beyond, including 24 Agni‑V intercontinental ballistic missiles with a claimed 5,000 km range. In parallel, the Indian Air Force has armed 40 Su‑30MKI fighters with air‑launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, extending the aircraft’s strike reach to roughly 450 km. The integration, confirmed at the Fleet 2026 International Maritime Defence Show, is viewed as a decisive step in strengthening India’s aerial deterrence and operational flexibility across land and sea theatres.