The Indian defence industry has reached a significant milestone with the successful test-firing of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile. The missile features major indigenous components including the propulsion system, airframe, and power supply. This accomplishment is the result of a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) and the NPOM of Russia.
Origins of the Brahmos Missile
The name “Brahmos” was inspired by two rivers, Brahmaputra in India and Moskva in Russia. This signifies the collaboration between the two nations in its development.
Specifics of the Brahmos Supersonic Cruise Missile
The Brahmos missile constitutes of two stages, utilizing a solid propellant engine in the first stage and a liquid ramjet in the second. Originally, its flight range was approximately 300 km. However, this range has increased since India’s induction into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), now extended to 450-600km. This surpasses its former MTCR capped range of 300 km.
Brahmos is a versatile weapon that can be launched from land, air, and sea. It boasts pinpoint accuracy in any weather condition, at any time of the day. It works under the “Fire and Forgets” principle, which makes it independent of further guidance after launch. Moreover, it is one of the fastest cruise missiles in operation, recording speeds of Mach 2.8 – three times more than the speed of sound.
Brahmos on Su-30 MKI Fighter Aircraft
The Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft is known for carrying the heaviest weapon in its arsenal – the Brahmos missile. At a weight of 2.5 tonnes, it represents a substantial part of the aircraft’s weaponry.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Propulsion System | Indian-made |
| Airframe and Power Supply | Indigenous components |
| Joint Venture | Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) and the NPOM of Russia |
| Flight Range | 450-600km |
| Deployment | Can be launched from land, air, and sea |
| Speed | Mach 2.8 |
| Operating Principle | Fire and Forgets |
| Weight when Deployed on Su-30 MKI | 2.5 tonnes |
Role in Modern Warfare
Bearing the pride of being a multiplatform missile with such advanced features, Brahmos assumes a critical role in modern warfare strategy. Its ability to adapt to different launch platforms and its high level of accuracy make it a formidable tool in any combat scenario.