BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: An Overview
The BrahMos missile, a collaborative effort between India and Russia, stands as a prime example of supersonic cruise missile technology. It was first successfully tested on June 12, 2001, and is known for its versatility and precision across various platforms.
Significance and Deployment
- Operation Sindoor: The BrahMos missile was reportedly used in a combat situation during Operation Sindoor.
- Inauguration: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow, emphasizing its strategic importance.
- Message of Strength: The missile symbolizes the strength of the Indian Armed Forces and acts as a deterrent to adversaries.
Development and Testing
- Origins: Initiated under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme led by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in the 1980s.
- Collaboration: A joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia formed BrahMos Aerospace.
- Design: BrahMos is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster and a liquid ramjet engine, achieving speeds greater than Mach 3.
Features and Capabilities
- Fire and Forget: BrahMos is a 'fire and forget' missile with low radar cross-section for stealth.
- Range and Speed: Current versions can target up to 350 km, with future models expected to reach 800 km and hypersonic speeds.
- Accuracy and Energy: Compared to subsonic missiles, BrahMos offers three times the speed, 2.5 times the range, and nine times the kinetic energy.
Versions and Deployment
- Ship-based: Deployed on Indian Navy warships since 2005, capable of launching salvos and engaging targets beyond radar horizon.
- Land-based: Features mobile autonomous launchers and can strike targets up to 400 km with precision. Deployed with the Indian Army since 2007.
- Air-launched: Deployed on Sukhoi-30 MKI, validated in 2017, enhancing deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region.
- Submarine-launched: Tested in 2013 from submerged platforms, launching from 50 meters below the surface.
- BrahMos-NG: A next-gen variant under development with reduced dimensions, stealth, and enhanced capabilities.