India successfully test-fires BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

Hyderabad: BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with increased indigenous content and improved performance, was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha on 20 January.

The launch was conducted by Brahmos Aerospace in close coordination with the teams of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In this textbook flight, the missile followed the predicted trajectory, meeting all mission objectives.

The flight test is a major milestone in the way forward for the BrahMos programme. The highly manoeuvrable missile cruised at supersonic speed for its maximum range and all mission objectives were met. The missile was equipped with advanced indigenous technologies and followed a modified optimal trajectory for enhanced efficiency and improved performance.

The missile, with the modified control system, has been fine-tuned to achieve an enhanced capability. This flight test was monitored by all the sensors of the range instrumentation, including telemetry, radar and electro-optical tracking systems, deployed across the eastern coast and the down range ships.

Teams from DRDO and NPOM, Russia, participated in the test.

BrahMos Aerospace, the joint venture between DRDO and NPOM, Russia, has been continuously upgrading the powerful, highly versatile BrahMos to increase its effectiveness and lethality against sea and land targets. BrahMos is the potent missile weapon system already inducted into the Armed forces.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh complimented the Brahmos, DRDO teams and industry for the successful flight test.

DRDO chairman Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy appreciated the scientists and engineers for continuously putting efforts to maximize the weapon systems efficiency and the director-general of BrahMos, Atul D. Rane, congratulated the joint teams of NPOM, Russia, and DRDO involved in the test.