Malaysia's BrahMos missile acquisition remains at exploratory stage

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's proposed acquisition of India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile remains at the exploratory stage, with no decision made on the procurement.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the proposal was first raised during preliminary government-level discussions in conjunction with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to India in September.

"Any potential acquisition would require a comprehensive technical assessment by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), particularly on the missile's compatibility and integration with its existing Su-30MKM fighter jets.

"The assessment would cover operational requirements, compatibility with existing platforms, systems integration, upgrade requirements and life-cycle costs," he said in a written parliamentary reply to Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah).

Khaled added that integrating the BrahMos missile with the Su-30MKM would also involve detailed technical scrutiny, including aircraft modifications, testing and validation.

"Such processes would typically take a considerable amount of time before the capability could become fully operational," he said.

It was reported that Malaysia was in exploratory discussions to acquire the BrahMos system as part of broader efforts to strengthen defence and strategic cooperation with India.

In an interview with Indian broadcaster NDTV, Anwar said the potential acquisition had been discussed during his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said the final decision would rest with the armed forces, based on their operational and technical requirements.

The BrahMos is a long-range, ramjet-powered supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya through their joint venture, BrahMos Aerospace.

The missile can be launched from land-based mobile platforms, warships, submarines and fighter aircraft, offering precision-strike capabilities against targets at sea and on land.

For India, BrahMos is among its flagship defence exports, supporting its efforts to expand its international arms market and strengthen defence partnerships with friendly countries.