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The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed through joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
BRAHMOS and other mechanised columns rolling down the Rajpath during a Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)
India reportedly unleashed its formidable BrahMos supersonic cruise missile as part of Operation Sindoor in retaliatory precision strikes on Pakistani military bases. The sites targeted were the Pakistani bases at Rafiqui (Shorkot, Jhang), Murid (Chakwal), Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi) Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian (Kasur). In the strikes, the air bases in Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad and Sargodha suffered extensive damage.
While there is no official confirmation on the use of the BrahMos, Indian strikes on Pakistan aligns with its intended use for high-value and strategic targets. Signaling a new level of assertive retaliation from New Delhi, Brahmos’ potential deployment marks the first reported combat use of the Indo-Russian joint venture weapon.
What Is BrahMos Missile?
The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed through a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. The name ‘BrahMos’ is a portmanteau of the Brahmaputra River of India and the Moskva River of Russia, symbolizing the partnership.
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What Is The Range Of BrahMos Missile?
Initially capped at 290 km to comply with Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the range of BrahMos has been extended to 800-900 km for land and ship-based versions after India joined MTCR in 2016. Air-launched versions have a range of 450-500 km.
How Accurate Is BrahMos Missile?
BrahMos is known for its high accuracy, reportedly achieving a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of around 1 meter. It utilizes a two-stage system with Inertial Navigation System (INS), GPS/GLONASS/GAGAN for mid-course guidance, and active radar homing for terminal accuracy. Its low-flying capability (as low as 3-10 meters in sea-skimming mode) and supersonic speed make it difficult to intercept.
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Which Targets Can BrahMos Be Used For?
BrahMos is a versatile missile capable of engaging land, sea, and air-based targets. It can be launched from various platforms, including land-based Transporter Erector Launchers (TEL), ships (both vertical and inclined launchers), submarines (submerged launch), and fighter aircraft (like the Su-30MKI).
How India And Russia Collaborated BrahMos?
BrahMos Aerospace was established on February 12, 1998 in which India holds a 50.5% stake, and Russia holds 49.5%. The venture combines India’s expertise in areas like inertial navigation and mission software with Russia’s strength in ramjet technology and cruise missile design.
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