BrahMos Cruise Missile: successfully test-fired by IAF

The Indian Army’s Eastern Command Unit successfully test-fired a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Car Nicobar Islands on 22 May 2019.

Key Highlights

• Background: On same day of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile test firing, Indian Air Force (IAF) had also successfully tested aerial launched version of the BrahMos missile from a Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft.
• Coordination: The test firing of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile involved coordination between large number of agencies for successful and smooth conduct of firing. It was a cohesive effort of all three defence services India namely, Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force (IAF). Thus the launch of BrahMos missile demonstrated high standards of Inter Service Synergy.
• Significance: The combat missile was test fired on a specially designed target chosen at a range of 270 Kms. This precision hitting of target validated deep penetration capability of supersonic cruise missile and accurate engagement of targets in depth.
• Importance: With its impeccable multi role and multi platform launch capabilities, BrahMos missile has now established itself as a major ‘Force Multiplier‘ in modern day battlefield thus furthering confidence amongst our troops

About BrahMos Cruise Missile

• It is a joint collaboration product of India and Russia.
• It is 2.5 tonne air-to-surface cruise missile with range of around 300 km.
• It will significantly enhance IAF’s combat capability.
• It travels at a speed of Mach 2.8, (nearly three times that of sound).

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2019