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.