Brahmos missile test fire successful in Odisha’s Chandipur base

The DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) test fired the supersonic Cruise missile Brahmos successfully from Odisha’s Chandipur on December 17, 2019. The medium range missile is capable of being launched from warships, submarines, land or fighter jets.

Highlights

The missile was test fired from the autonomous launcher of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. The missile is operational with Indian Navy, Army and Air Force. The missile has gained its importance in modern warfare for its anti-ship capabilities and land-attack capabilities.

Brahmos Missile

Brahmos is a joint venture between DRDO of India and NPOM of Russia. It features Indian propulsion system, power supply, airframe and power supply. The rest of the technology was transferred to India. After India entered into MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) India extended the range of BRAHMOS missile to 600 km. It is also one of the fastest cruise missiles that operates at the speed of 2.8 Mach, which is three times the speed of sound.

Recent Brahmos tests

The GoI in 2019 has tested Brahmos in more than three scenarios. In May 2019, DRDO test fired Brahmos by launching it in the air from Su-30MKI aircraft. Later the eastern command unit test-fired Brahmos from Car Nicobar islands. In August 2019, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared the next generation maritime mobile coastal batteries (NGMMCB) to be fitted with surface-to-surface supersonic Brahmos missiles. The NGMMCB was developed by joint venture of India and Russia, the Brahmos Aerospace Private Limited. In September 2019, DRDO conducted the Brahmos full range test of 290 km in Chandipur, Odisha.

Philippines to sign Brahmos deal with India in 2020

On December 16, 2019, Philippines confirmed that signing contract with India for medium range Brahmos Cruise Missiles. The agreement will be signed in 2020. When PM Modi visited Philippines, he signed 4 agreements on defence cooperation. Philippines is interested in acquiring the missile as it will strengthen its coastal defence operations.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019