BrahMos Aerospace to receive $2.5Bln cruise missiles from Indian navy
The Indian Navy's plan to acquire more than 200 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles nears completion.
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A Brahmos missile is displayed at the Republic Day parade rehearsal in New Delhi, India, Jan. 23, 2009. (AP)
India's navy will order more than 200 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles worth over $2.5 billion for installation on all its cutting-edge warships, Ani reported, citing high-ranking officials in the country's defense ministry.
A source said that the Indian Navy's proposal to acquire more than 200 of these BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles is at an advanced stage and is expected to be cleared by the Defense Ministry, according to the news outlet. The report added that the missiles will be deployed on warships as well as on mobile coastal missile batteries.
By increasing the strike range from 290 kilometers (180 miles) to over 400 kilometers, the Indian-Russian joint venture BrahMos Aerospace has significantly enhanced its missiles over the last few years.
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Moreover, Indian-made components have increased, with the national industry more actively participating in the production process, the media outlet reported.
BrahMos Aerospace was founded in 1998 as joint Indian-Russian aerospace and defense company, with its name derived from the Indian river Brahmaputra and the Russian river Moskva. The company focuses on designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling supersonic cruise missiles.
On another note, the Indian Navy forces received on July 29th, 2022, the first-ever made Indian aircraft carrier, Vikrant.
The carrier, which was produced by Indian company Cochin Shipyard Ltd., will serve as a floating airfield for 30 fighter jets and helicopters and will be fully commissioned by the Indian air force in late August.
The construction of the ship began in early 2000 and was completed in 2020. It underwent a series of sea trials in 2021 before it was finally obtained by the Indian navy.
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The vessel will be used to carry American MH-60R and Russian MIG-29K and KA-31 aircraft. Practice is still ongoing for the takeoffs, landings, and sea-based operations on the ship's deck. It is expected for the aircraft carrier to be fully operational by mid-2023.
