In early May 2025, India launched a series of BrahMos missile strikes targeting Pakistani airbases and alleged terror camps in response to a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that claimed 26 civilian lives. The BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, demonstrated its precision and speed by successfully hitting high-value military targets deep within Pakistani territory. These strikes marked a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.The GuardianReuters+2The Guardian+2AP News+2
The BrahMos missile, capable of speeds up to Mach 3 and a range of approximately 500 kilometers, is designed for precision strikes against high-value targets. Its deployment in this context underscores India’s intent to leverage advanced technology for rapid and decisive military responses. The missile’s low radar signature and high maneuverability make it a formidable tool in India’s arsenal, capable of evading enemy air defenses and delivering payloads with high accuracy.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyān Mārsūs, deploying its own missile systems, including the Shaheen series and the newly tested Ababeel missile. The Ababeel, equipped with Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs), represents a significant advancement in Pakistan’s strategic capabilities, allowing a single missile to carry multiple warheads aimed at different targets. This development is seen as a countermeasure to India’s missile defense systems and reflects the intensifying arms race in the region.
Comparative Analysis of Missile Capabilities
| Feature | India: BrahMos | Pakistan: Ababeel |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Supersonic Cruise Missile | Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) |
| Speed | Mach 2.8–3.0 | Estimated Mach 8–18 |
| Range | ~500 km | ~2,200 km |
| Payload | ~200–300 kg (Conventional) | 3–8 MIRVs (~500 kg each) |
| Guidance | Inertial + GPS + Terminal Active Radar | Inertial + Terminal |
| Launch Platform | Ship, Submarine, Aircraft, Land | Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) |
| Purpose | Precision Strike on High-Value Targets | Strategic Deterrence with MIRV Capability |
The BrahMos missile’s precision and versatility make it a critical asset for India in conducting targeted strikes with minimal collateral damage. Its ability to be launched from various platforms adds to its strategic value. On the other hand, Pakistan’s Ababeel missile, with its MIRV capability, enhances its second-strike potential, complicating India’s missile defense strategies.
The recent exchanges have heightened concerns about the stability of the region, with both nations showcasing advanced missile technologies. The involvement of international actors in brokering a ceasefire highlights the global implications of such conflicts. As both countries continue to develop and deploy sophisticated missile systems, the importance of diplomatic engagement and confidence-building measures becomes increasingly critical to prevent further escalation.
