New Delhi: In a mega boost for the Indian Navy, the Cabinet Committee on Security has cleared the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos extended-range supersonic cruise missiles for deployment on its warships.
The deal worth around Rs 19,000 crore was cleared in a meeting held on Wednesday evening. The formal contract between BrahMos Aerospace and the Ministry of Defence is expected to be inked in the first week of March.
The BrahMos missiles, known for their supersonic speed and versatility, can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.
The BrahMos is the main weapon for anti-ship and attack operations for Indian Navy warships, which have been regularly firing the weapon system.
BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture of India and Russia, produces supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.
The BrahMos missile has been indigenized in a significant way by the BrahMos corporation, and more parts are being indigenized. The missile is also set to be exported soon to the Philippines, which is its first global customer.
Brahmos Aerospace, headed by Atul Rane, is also working towards achieving the USD 5 billion export target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BrahMos Chairman had stated that after the first export deal with the Philippines at 375 million dollars, his team was targeting USD 5 billion by 2025.
The Indo-Russian joint venture company had conducted test firings of the missile with a high level of indigenous content, and the missile is being equipped with an indigenous seeker.
The BrahMos missile system sale to partner countries is also set to open many more windows for other successful weapon systems like the Akash, ATAGS howitzers, and other equipment from the Indian industry.
