The spotlight has recently been on the Indian Navy as it successfully test-fired a naval version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the INS Chennai, an indigenously built stealth destroyer, in the Arabian Sea. This achievement upholds India’s prowess in the field of defence.
BrahMos: An Introduction
The BrahMos is not merely a projectile. It is a result of a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) and Russia’s NPOM. The name ‘BrahMos’ is a combination of two rivers, the Brahmaputra in India and Moskva in Russia. With a travel speed of Mach 2.8, nearly three times the speed of sound, it proudly claims the title of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile.
Specifications and Capabilities
The BrahMos is a multiplatform missile, meaning it can be launched from land, air, and sea. It further boasts multi capability, with pinpoint accuracy that operates irrespective of the time of day or weather conditions. It operates on a “Fire and Forget” principle, eliminating the need for further guidance after launch. Weighing in at a hefty 2.5 tonnes, it is the heaviest weapon deployed on the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft.
Its range was recently increased from 300 Km to 450-600 Km. This improvement was made possible following India’s induction into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in June 2016. The missile includes an indigenous Booster and Airframe Section, along with multiple other native sub-systems.
Strategic Advantages
BrahMos, due to its unique features, has been deployed in strategically critical areas like Ladakh and the Eastern Sector in Arunachal Pradesh in order to counter any threats amidst the ongoing standoff with China. The enhanced use of indigenous technologies within the BrahMos system contributes towards India’s self-reliance, a cornerstone of the AtmaNirbhar Bharat initiative.
Focus on Indigenous Content
The push for increased indigenous content in defence systems aligns with the prime focus of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 and draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020.
Recent Defence Testing
India has also successfully test-fired a laser-guided anti-tank missile and a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile named ‘Shaurya’. A similarly notable accomplishment is the successful test firing of Rudram-1, India’s first indigenously developed anti-radiation weapon.
