India is on the brink of initiating the export of ground systems for its BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, with DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat confirming the commencement within the next 10 days. This follows the groundbreaking defense export deal signed with the Philippines in January 2022, valued at USD 375 million, for the supply of the shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile.
Dr. Kamat disclosed, “…We are also receiving interest for BrahMos; we have exported to the Philippines, and we are receiving interest from other countries.” This deal stands as India’s most significant defense export contract with a foreign nation.
Since 2007, the BrahMos missile system has been successfully integrated into the Indian Army, with multiple regiments inducted. Moreover, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has effectively integrated the BRAHMOS Air Launched Cruise Missile system onto Sukhoi-30MKI frontline fighter aircraft.
Dr. Kamat shed light on forthcoming developments within the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), outlining additions to the armed forces’ arsenal. Key inclusions encompass the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A, Arjun Mk-1A, Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM), and an augmented number of squadrons for the Akash missile system. Dr. Kamat also underscored the impending induction of various tactical missiles developed by DRDO.
Emphasizing the substantial progress achieved, Dr. Kamat highlighted that DRDO-developed products, cumulatively valued at approximately Rs 4.94 Lakh Crores, have either been successfully inducted or received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). He remarked, “The developments are now increasingly getting done much faster than earlier. My estimate is, more than 60% or 70% of the inducted products are in the last 5-7 years. This rate is going to increase dramatically as we go ahead.”
Overview of BrahMos Missile:
The BRAHMOS missile, a potent two-stage system, utilizes a solid propellant booster for achieving supersonic speed and a liquid ramjet for cruising at Mach 3. Operating on the ‘Fire and Forget Principle,’ it boasts a flight range of 290 km, ensuring a swift flight time, minimized target dispersion, and immunity to interception. With a cruising altitude of 15 km and a terminal altitude as low as 10 meters, the missile carries a 200 to 300 kg conventional warhead. Compared to subsonic counterparts, BRAHMOS exhibits significantly superior velocity, flight range, seeker range, and kinetic energy. It maintains a uniform configuration for land, sea, and sub-sea platforms, employing a Transport Launch Canister for transport, storage, and launch.
