Source: TP
Context: Following the success of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy and Air Force are preparing large-scale procurement of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, citing their precision and combat performance against Pakistani targets.
About BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile:
- What is BrahMos?
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- BrahMos is a two-stage supersonic cruise missile, jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPOM.
- It is the world’s fastest operational cruise missile, operating at speeds of Mach 2.8–3.0.
- Key Specifications:
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- Range: ~290 km (extended-range versions under development).
- Warhead: 200–300 kg (conventional explosive).
- Speed: Supersonic throughout flight; significantly reduces enemy response time.
- Platforms: Can be launched from land, air, sea, and sub-sea platforms.
- Special Features:
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- Fire-and-Forget system: Requires no further guidance post-launch.
- Stealth features: Low radar cross-section enhances survivability.
- Multiple flight trajectories: High, low, or mixed profiles for tactical flexibility.
- Kinetic punch: 9x more kinetic energy than subsonic missiles at impact.
- Pinpoint accuracy: High kill probability even against moving targets.
- Strategic Significance:
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- Used extensively during Operation Sindoor, neutralising critical terrorist infrastructure and military assets inside Pakistan.
- Enhances India’s precision-strike capabilities and deterrence posture against regional threats.
- Supports the goals of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by relying on indigenous systems for national security.
- Operational Status:
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- Navy: Equipped on Rajput and Visakhapatnam-class destroyers and Veer-class corvettes.
- Army: Multiple regiments operational with mobile launchers.
- Air Force: Integrated with Su-30 MKI, extending strike range over land and sea.
