Why in news?
In a significant advancement for the Indian Navy, the Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the procurement of more than 200 BrahMos missiles, extended-range supersonic cruise missiles for deployment on its naval vessels.
BrahMos Aerospace: Advancements, Strategic Deals, and Global Expansion
- BrahMos Aerospace and its Capabilities:
- BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between India and Russia.
- It produces supersonic cruise missiles deployable from various platforms.
- These missiles can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms.
-
Boost for Indian Navy:
- The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos extended-range supersonic cruise missiles for the Indian Navy.
- These missiles will be deployed on Indian Navy warships.
-
Deal Details:
- The deal is worth around ₹19,000 crore.
- The clearance for the deal was given in a meeting held on February 21.
- The contract is expected to be signed in the first week of March between BrahMos Aerospace and the Ministry of Defence.
-
Indigenization and Export:
- BrahMos missiles have been indigenized to a significant extent.
- The Philippines is set to become the first global customer for BrahMos missiles.
- Several Southeast Asian countries have shown interest in deploying BrahMos missiles.
- BrahMos Aerospace aims to achieve a $5 billion export target by 2025, as set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The first export deal with the Philippines is valued at $375 million.
-
Leadership and Targets:
- BrahMos Aerospace is led by Atul Rane. The Chairman has expressed ambitions to achieve the export target set by Prime Minister Modi.
About BrahMos Missiles
- The BrahMos missile, a collaborative effort between India and Russia, boasts a range of 290 km, making it the world’s fastest cruise missile with a remarkable top speed of Mach 2.8, nearly three times the speed of sound.
- Named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, BrahMos features a two-stage propulsion system, combining a solid propellant engine in the first stage with a liquid ramjet in the second stage.
- As a versatile multiplatform missile, BrahMos can be deployed from land, air, and sea, offering pinpoint accuracy in both day and night conditions, regardless of weather constraints.
- Operating on the principle of “Fire and Forget,” BrahMos requires no additional guidance post-launch.
Recent Developments
- April 2022 witnessed the successful test-firing of an anti-ship iteration of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, conducted collaboratively by the Indian Navy and the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
- In January 2022, the extended-range sea-to-sea variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile underwent successful testing from the stealth guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam.
People also ask
Q1: What is the significance of the Cabinet Committee’s approval of the Navy deal for BrahMos missiles?
Ans: The approval signifies a significant boost for the Indian Navy’s capabilities in terms of defense and firepower.
Q2: How many BrahMos missiles are included in the approved Navy deal?
Ans: The deal involves the acquisition of over 200 BrahMos extended-range supersonic cruise missiles for deployment on Indian Navy warships.
Q3 : What is the total worth of the Navy deal for BrahMos missiles?
Ans: The deal is valued at approximately ₹19,000 crore.
Q4: When was the approval granted for the Navy deal?
Ans: The clearance for the deal was given during a meeting held by the Cabinet Committee on Security on February 21.
Q5 : When is the contract expected to be signed for the BrahMos missile deal?
Ans: The contract between BrahMos Aerospace and the Ministry of Defence is set to be signed in the first week of March.
Q6: What capabilities do BrahMos missiles offer to the Indian Navy?
Ans: BrahMos missiles provide the Indian Navy with enhanced anti-ship and attack capabilities due to their extended range and supersonic speed.
