The recent successful test-firing of the anti-ship version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile by the Indian Navy and the Andaman and Nicobar Command has brought attention to India’s robust defense capabilities. The BrahMos missile project, a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) and the NPOM of Russia, showcases the strength and precision of India’s armed forces. However, this is only one aspect of India’s formidable arsenal, much of which is procured from Russia.
The BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
The BrahMos missile takes its name from two rivers: the Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva in Russia. The missile is powered by a two-stage engine – the first stage consists of a solid propellant engine while the second uses a liquid ramjet. Capable of launch from land, air, or sea, it is a multiplatform missile. Furthermore, it is known for its pinpoint accuracy and ability to operate in any weather condition, both day and night.
The BrahMos operates on the “Fire and Forget” principle, not requiring further guidance post-launch. It ranks as one of the fastest cruise missiles currently in operational deployment, with speeds reaching Mach 2.8 — nearly three times the speed of sound. Following India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) club in June 2016, plans are in place to extend the missile’s range to 450 km, and eventually, 600km. Originally, the BrahMos missile was developed with a range capped at 290 km.
Recent Successes with the BrahMos Missile
Recent trials of the BrahMos missile have been successful. The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully test-fired the missile from a Sukhoi fighter jet, and the Indian Navy also fired an advanced version of the BrahMos missile from a stealth destroyer in the Indian Ocean.
Defence Equipment Procured by India from Russia
India’s defense ties with Russia extend beyond the BrahMos project. The country has procured a wide range of equipment from Russia, including submarines, frigates, guided-missile destroyers, aircraft carriers, fighter aircraft, tanks, and missile defense systems.
Under the P75-I project, six Air Independent Propulsion (AIP-powered) conventional submarines were procured, and negotiations are underway for leasing two nuclear-ballistic submarines. Four of the Navy’s 10 guided-missile destroyers are Russian Kashin class, and six of its 17 frigates are Russian Talwar class.
In terms of aerial defense, INS Vikramaditya, a Soviet-made Kiev-class vessel in service since 2013, serves as India’s sole aircraft carrier. Russia has also been a significant exporter of fighter aircraft to India, including hundreds of Sukhoi and MiG jets. The Indian Army’s main battle tank force is predominantly composed of Russian T-72M1 (66%) and T-90S (30%), and all six of the service’s air tankers are Russian-made Il-78s.
Lastly, India’s missile defense system includes the S-400 anti-missile system, another testament to the strength of the Indo-Russian defense tie-up. All these procurements form an integral part of India’s diverse and robust defense landscape.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024