The recent induction of a squadron of fourth-generation fighter jets, the Sukhoi-30 MKI, armed with BrahMos missiles in the Southern Air Command, Thanjavur, has been making news. This strategic move by India is set to bolster its air and maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Modifications have been made to the Sukhoi 30 jets, enabling them to carry the formidable BrahMos air-to-surface missiles. These modifications pave the way for these jets to conduct long-range precision strikes.
The Integration of Su-30 MKI and BrahMos
In 2014, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd (BAPL) inked a contract to modify two Su-30 MKI aircraft for integrating them with the BrahMos missile. This development is historic since it marks the first time that such a heavyweight missile has been integrated onto a fighter aircraft on a global scale.
This integration empowers the Sukhois with a combat radius of nearly 1,500 km without requiring mid-air refueling. At 2.5 tonnes, the BrahMos missile has become the heaviest weapon to be deployed on the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.
About BrahMos Missiles
BrahMos missile is a supersonic cruise missile that incorporates an Indian propulsion system, airframe, power supply, and several other key indigenous components. It is a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation of India (DRDO) and the NPOM of Russia.
The name “BrahMos” is derived from the Indian river Brahmaputra and Russian river Moskva. It is primarily a two-stage missile with a solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second stage. The missile possesses a flight range of around 300 km.
However, due to India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the range of the BrahMos missile has been increased to 450-600km. A multiplatform and multi-capability missile, BrahMos exhibits pinpoint accuracy and can be deployed from land, air, and sea. It works in both day and night, regardless of weather conditions.
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.5 tonnes |
| Flight Range (pre-MTCR) | 300 km |
| Flight Range (post-MTCR) | 450-600 km |
| Speed | Mach 2.8 (3 times the speed of sound) |
| Launch Platforms | Land, Air, Sea |
BrahMos: The Fastest Cruise Missile
BrahMos operates on the “Fire and Forget” principle where it does not need further guidance after launch. As one of the fastest cruise missiles currently deployed operationally, BrahMos travels at a speed of Mach 2.8, which is thrice the speed of sound.
