The Indian Navy successfully test fired a BrahMos missile from one of its destroyers in the Bay of Bengal. The test was carried out on November 1, 2023 from one of its destroyers based in the Indian Navy Eastern Fleet. The missile successfully destroyed its target with great accuracy and precision.
On the social media platform called X(formerly known as Twitter), the Indian Navy stated “An Indian Navy Destroyer of the Eastern Naval Fleet carried out a successful firing of a BrahMos Missile in the Bay of Bengal. The missile achieved all mission objectives.” This test follows two previous BrahMos Missiles in the last three weeks.
Previous Tests
Just a fortnight ago, on October 18, 2023, the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jets flew from the Thanjavur Air Base in Tamil Nadu covering a distance of 1500km and launched a BrahMos-A missile ( the air variant) successfully destroyed its target in the Bay of Bengal.
Another test occurring a week before the Sukhoi-Su-30MKI test during which the IAF and the Indian Army jointly fired four Brahmos-ER extended range supersonic cruise missiles. The extended variant of the missile can strike land and sea targets at a maximum range of 400-500km. These tests were conducted as part of the pre-induction trials of the supersonic missile.
About BrahMos Missiles
The BrahMos missile, and Indo-Russian joint venture, has a range of 290km and is the fastest cruise missiles in the world with a top speed of Mach 2.8 (which is nearly three times faster than the speed of sound). It is named after two great rivers of India and Russia (Brahmaputra and Moskva) respectively. It can be launched from land, sea and air and has pinpoint accuracy and works both in day and night irrespective of all weather conditions.
It operates on the Fire and Forget Principle and does not require further guidance after launch. It is a two staged missile (solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second)
Export Strength
India has already signed an export deal with the Philippines ($375 million) to export the BrahMos Missile. News reports have emerged that Vietnam is also interested in buying the BrahMos missile from India. China has been exporting lethal weapon systems to Myanmar, Pakistan etc. Taking into consideration the looming regional threat, the ASEAN nations or the nations of Southeast Asia would like to procure the world class BrahMos missiles.
Future
Great powers of the international order such as the UNSC permanent members have developed hypersonic weapon missiles and glide vehicles. India has also embarked on developing BrahMos-II which is the hypersonic variant of the supersonic cruise missile. Its speed will be beyond Mach-6 till Mach-8 probably. The possible range is 600-1000km. It is under development and may be inducted in the coming five years.
