The BrahMos programme shows the potential of co-development over outright import. Examine this in the context of India–Russia defence ties and India's ambitions as a defence exporter.

BrahMos was jointly developed by DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) [5]. It is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from land, sea and air. When India imports a weapon outright, it gets the hardware but not the know-how. Co-development has helped India learn the technology, build a domestic supply chain and sell abroad. Some dependencies still remain.

Co-development vs import: capability gains

• Technology absorption: DRDO and BrahMos Aerospace jointly developed an indigenous seeker, which was test-fired in 2018 [3]. Later tests used an Indian propulsion system, airframe and power supply [4].
• Industrial depth: In October 2026, MoD signed a Rs 661.50 crore contract for BrahMos fire-control systems and launchers under Buy (Indian-IDDM). It requires at least 68% indigenous content and involves MSMEs [1].
• Strategic autonomy: The Estimates Committee warned that foreign suppliers may withhold spares in an emergency [6]. Making the system in India reduces this risk.

India–Russia defence ties

• From buyer–seller to partners: PIB calls BrahMos a flagship of India–Russia military-technical collaboration, and the two sides are exploring more co-development and co-production [2].
• Limits: The design is still co-owned. Exports need Russian agreement, and any Russian-made parts can be disrupted by events between the two countries.

Export ambitions

• First major export: In 2022, BrahMos Aerospace signed a contract with the Philippines for a shore-based anti-ship missile system [7]. This makes India a security partner in Southeast Asia.
• Gap to close: India took about 10% of global arms imports (2013–23) but had only 0.2% of global exports. Defence exports were Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24 [6]. One product cannot close this gap.

Flowchart: how co-development builds an export industry

Joint design → technology absorption (seeker, propulsion) → Indian supply chain (MSMEs, 68% IC) → exports (Philippines)

BrahMos shows that co-development builds capability, local industry and export credibility, which outright import does not. India should use this model with more partners. It should also direct DRDO and MSME funding to the hardest components, such as seekers, engines and fire-control electronics, so that the remaining dependence on Russia shrinks. This would take India from being the world's largest importer towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the role of a trusted security partner in the Indo-Pacific.