The BrahMos NG (New Generation) missile during an exhibition display. (File photo)
Pune/New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to significantly upgrade its arsenal following the Cabinet Committee on Security’s approval of a ₹19,000 crore deal to 200 of the advanced BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The deal is set to be signed on March 5.
Following the development, the Indian Navy chief, Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar, declared BrahMos the Navy’s new primary weapon system.
Talking to reporters at the Defence Expo in Pune, Admiral Kumar emphasized the missile’s potency, highlighting its extended range, and lethal capabilities. BrahMos – a product of a joint venture between India and Russia – is regarded as one of the world’s most formidable cruise missiles. Its supersonic speed and advanced guidance systems make it a potent tool for both land-attack and anti-ship missions.
Adm Hari Kumar said, “BrahMos will be our primary weapon now as the surface-to-surface missile weapon. Probably the Air Force and the fighter jets also will have that as the primary air-to-surface weapon. This has evolved in range, in capabilities, in its lethality, and so on. So, this is going to be the mainstay for some time and that is why we are replacing all old missiles with this … and we are installing the BrahMos,” he said.
“It is a very potent missile, and it has been evolving also, in range capability and so on. So, the fact is that it is made in India, so we are not dependent on anybody else. It can be repaired, and spares are available. So, it’s a great advantage,” the Navy chief added.
Indian Navy destroyer INS Chennai firing a BrahMos missile:
Yesterday Indian Navy’s stealth destroyer INS Chennai fired a BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile. It’s accuracy is Circle ⭕️ of 30 Cm diameter.@indiannavy 💪Jai Hind 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/HZsiRknBTW
— Soldierathon (@Soldierathon) October 19, 2020
This massive procurement emphasizes the Indian Navy’s focus on bolstering its strike capabilities. The service plans to integrate BrahMos across various platforms, including warships, submarines, and potentially even fighter jets.
The missile’s indigenous development within India also aligns with the nation's goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The Indian Navy has been a longstanding proponent of the BrahMos, inducting it into service several years ago. This latest contract underscores the service’s growing reliance on the missile as a cornerstone of its naval strategy and signifies India’s increasing emphasis on developing potent, self-produced weapons systems.
