Interview | CEO & MD BrahMos Aerospace, Atul Dinkar Rane

How did the Army 2023 show go for you?

We put up a very successful show at the Army 2023 exposition in Moscow, Russia. BrahMos garnered a lot of interest from several quarters at this international forum. Many countries showed huge interest in the versatile weapon system. High level defence delegates from these countries visited the BrahMos pavilion and inquired about the universal missile and its formidable capabilities. At the BrahMos stall, we displayed all variants of the BrahMos—land-based, ship-based, submarine-launched and air-borne weapon. The BrahMos-NG model was also exhibited.

With how many countries are you currently engaging for possible exports? Who are you most optimistic about?

We have been actively negotiating with more than a dozen countries at present. After we signed our landmark BrahMos export contract with the Philippines in 2022, many countries in the ASEAN region have renewed their interest in the supersonic cruise missile system, which is the world’s fastest and best. Some of these countries are studying the feasibility of fitting such a powerful weapon on their existing military platforms. Some countries in the Latin American region too are intending to acquire the BrahMos and its future NG variant for deploying on their existing as well as future platforms. A few countries from Africa have also come forward. We are hopeful of inking our next export deal very soon.

What initiatives are you taking to push for more exports? What roadblocks do you face?

We have a vigorous market promotion policy under our ‘Mind-to-Market’ strategy. As part of this, we actively participate in domestic and international defence exhibitions which are held in friendly foreign countries. Such events provide us vibrant forums to promote the BrahMos as a universal, cost-effective deterrent system for present-day conflict situations.

There are no roadblocks as such. Of course, when it involves a best-in-class weapon, then the cost factor automatically comes into play. Since we are offering a highly advanced weapon involving high-end technologies, it definitely comes at a cost. So, we are doing our negotiations (for exports) accordingly.

How is the Philippines programme coming along? Can you share some more details about the scope of the programme in terms of training, maintenance and other post-sale service issues. When will the delivery commence? You had mentioned that the Philippines Army had also shown interest in BrahMos. Has that interest moved forward?

We have expedited our work on all fron