BrahMos — A Credible Deterrence Against Adversaries

 

 

A TRIAD OF CRUISE MISSILES: (TOP to BOTTOM) AIR, LAND AND SEA LAUNCH VERSIONS OF BRAHMOS MISSILE

This highly versatile missile has been integrated and successfully test fired on various platforms giving a major boost to India's 'Make in India' initiative. The Indian Armed Forces is already equipped with the supersonic BrahMos missile – a force multiplier in modern-day complex battlefields with its impeccable land-attack, anti-ship capabilities and multi-role and multi-platform abilities. The indigenously developed BrahMos showcased at the recently held Republic Day Parade is produced by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's rocket design bureau NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

Some interesting special features about the BrahMos missile include – stealth technology and guidance system with advanced embedded software; the missile maintains supersonic speed all through the flight, leading to shorter flight time, consequently ensuring lower dispersion of targets; quicker engagement time and non-interception by any known weapon system in the world. Different variants of the cruise missile have been developed and it is now capable of being launched from land, sea, sub-sea and air against surface and sea-based targets and has constantly been improved and upgraded.

The mobile land-based configuration of BrahMos has achieved several advancements over the years. It has advanced guidance and upgraded software incorporating high manoeuvres at multiple points and steep dive from high altitude. The steep-dive attack cruise missile can hit enemy targets hidden in the mountains. The BrahMos missile provides the capability to strike any target – from large stand-off ranges – at sea or on land with pinpoint accuracy by day or night and in all weather conditions. The missile's modular unique design enables it to be integrated with a wide spectrum of platforms like warships, submarines, different types of aircraft, mobile autonomous launchers and silos. The system can be configured depending upon the user requirements.

BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) is today developing smart and futuristic weapons systems including a smaller version - the highly advanced BrahMos Next-Generation (NG) - which could arm a wide range of modern platforms of the future. BrahMos has also offered the missile to friendly nations. On January 28, 2022, BAPL signed a historic contract with the Department of National Defence of the Republic of Philippines for the supply of Shore Based Anti-Ship Missile System to Philippines. The export deal has paved the way for India's aspiration to emerge as a top-notch military manufacturer and exporter in the world.

Providing further impetus to Atmanirbharta in defence production, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with BAPL for acquisition of additional dual-role capable Surface-to-Surface BrahMos missiles under "Buy- Indian" Category. Induction of these dual-role capable will significantly enhance the operational capability of Indian armed forces. A dedicated BrahMos facility is being set up under the Lucknow Defence Industrial Corridor.

A consortium of about 205 industries including those in the private sector is engaged in various capacities with the company. BrahMos has scored advancements vis-à-vis indigenisation of the missile and ground systems. Since its development, the missile has undergone numerous upgrades, integrated with new hardware and software and indigenous components. The delivery of the state-ofthe- art weapon system has given a competitive edge over others! BrahMos is participating at Aero India 2023, the largest aerospace exhibition in Asia, from 13 to 17 February at the Yelahanka Air Force station in Bengaluru. The Defence and Aerospace company which has regularly participated is expected to be another major attraction at the event themed "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities". India has become an emerging hub for global aerospace industry and draws attention to the investment opportunities under 'Make in India'.