Thailand evaluates BrahMos missile as global interest surges after Operation Sindoor

The Story in Brief

Thailand is the latest country evaluating India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, according to a report by Malaysia-based Defence Security Asia. Bangkok is assessing the shore-based anti-ship variant to modernise its navy and strengthen coastal defences. Discussions remain preliminary, with no formal contract announced yet. This development follows the successful battlefield debut of BrahMos during India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where at least 15 missiles were fired at Pakistani military installations without crossing the international border. The accuracy and ability to evade Chinese-origin air defence systems reportedly prompted Pakistan to swiftly call for a ceasefire, sparking keen interest from multiple nations.

The Philippines became BrahMos’s first overseas customer in January 2022 with a $375-million deal for three shore-based batteries, with deliveries completed by April 2026. Vietnam is widely expected to be the next buyer, with negotiations in final stages for an estimated $629-million deal. Indonesia has also moved closer to acquiring the missile system after discussions progressed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jakarta in July. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates has held preliminary talks for possible acquisition, extending India’s defence outreach beyond Southeast Asia to the Gulf region. Reports also indicate interest from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Africa. BrahMos is a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, capable of speeds up to Mach 2.8 and ranges up to 450 km in export variants.