The sturdy vision of engraving India’s name in the global industry of cruise missile systems originated from the launch of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The priceless contributions of some of the most distinguished minds of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) (India) and NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM) (Russia) have shaped the undisputed leader of the universal long-range supersonic cruise missile—BrahMos.
This collective venture between the two countries was formed on February 12, 1998, to innovate and revolutionalize the international arenas of missile and aerospace. With this state-of-the-art weapon that operates on the “Fire & Forgets Principle”, India has successfully showcased its potential in the global missile market.
History
Right from the Vedic era to the modern technology-based warfare environment, missiles have proved to be critical assets for Indian warriors.
While several studies suggest that the world’s first rocket was used by Tipu Sultan against the British colonial army back in 1792, the modern-day missiles are considered to be predecessors of the V1 and V2 guided missiles developed by Germany.
After the Second World War, several countries including India stepped into the missile development landscape, but the original boost was provided by eminent scientist and former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
He guided the IGMDP to launch their first Satellite Launch Vehicle, the SLV-3. Continuing the same practice, IGMDP developed a wide range of Ballistic Missiles like Prithvi, Akash, and Trishul that siginificatly contributed to the vision of developing several other indigenous missiles in future.
BrahMos: an example of indubitable excellence
BrahMos is a two-stage universal long-range supersonic cruise missile that is capable of hitting a target with the precision and accuracy of upto 290 Kms. The first stage of the missile provides unparalleled speed to it before detaching and the second phase enables it to cruise at a lightning speed of Mach 3.
Advanced stealth technology complemented with bespoke guidance systems enables the BrahMos to hit its target in an advanced destructive manner. Constant efforts of Indian scientists and Russian missile experts have provided non-interception qualities to the BrahMos which cannot be penetrated by any known new-age weapon system in the world.
With BrahMos, India’s name has been added to the prestigious list of handful countries that have developed advanced missile systems and aerospace inventions such as the technology which would enable the re-entry of ballistic missiles.
Some of the key features that makes BrahMos a superior modern-age cruise missile are:
- It provides 3 times more velocity as compared to any other subsonic cruise missile in the world
- BrahMos’ flight range is 2.5 to 3 times more than other missiles
- The quality that makes it the most advanced missile in the market today is its ability to produce 9 times more kinetic energy which provides it with enhanced destructive power
- It comes in the universal missile range category which rules out all launching limitations. It is capable to be launched from land, sea, sub-sea, or even air.
On the business front
With such an innovative and new-age product, India has elevated its presence in the warfare market. The Philippines has already approved an order of $374.96 million for purchasing the anti-ship variant of this one-of-a-kind missile. Talks with other Southeast Asian countries have also commenced. This would surely upscale India’s position, as far as the weapon exports and arms industry are concerned.
Conclusion
India’s anticipation of being the best in the missile industry can surely be seen in the constant efforts of the BrahMos aerospace organization. While BrahMos is still the best and the fastest cruise missile system ever produced, the organization has already laid the foundation of another futuristic weapon, The BrahMos-NG (Next Generation).
The spark to broadcast India’s name as a global independent superpower has already transformed into a well-lit fire-torch. With such constant ongoing efforts, India is already eyeing a bright and successful future.