The BrahMos - भारतीय शस्त्र

The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. It is one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world, capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound) and hitting targets with high precision. The missile operates on a "Fire and Forget" principle, meaning once launched, it does not require further guidance.

Key Features of BrahMos:

• Speed: Supersonic (Mach 2.8–3.0), making interception difficult
• Range: Over 450 km, with extended-range variants reaching 800 km
• Launch Platforms: Can be launched from air, land, sea, and submarines
• Payload: High-explosive warhead (200–300 kg), ideal for hardened targets
• Accuracy: Near pinpoint precision with advanced guidance and navigation

How is the BrahMos going to perform in the Indian Air Force?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has an air-launched version of BrahMos, which is integrated with Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets. This version allows the IAF to strike deep into enemy territory with precision and speed. Recently, BrahMos was reportedly used in precision strikes on Pakistani military bases, marking its first operational combat use. The missile has been inducted into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, with air-launched versions deployed on Su-30MKI fighter jets.

Recently, Bharat inaugurated a BrahMos missile production facility in Lucknow, expected to manufacture 80–100 missiles annually. This marks a significant boost to India's defense capabilities.

The BrahMos missile has seen several exciting advancements recently, strengthening India's defense capabilities. 

1. BrahMos-NG (Next Generation): A lighter, more compact version of the missile, weighing 1,290 kg compared to the original 2,900 kg. This allows fighter jets like the Su-30MKI to carry up to three BrahMos-NG missiles instead of just one.
2. Extended Range Variant: The latest BrahMos-LR version has successfully been tested with an 800 km range, significantly enhancing India's strategic reach.
3. New Production Facility: A BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility was inaugurated in Lucknow, expected to produce 80–100 missiles annually, with plans to scale up to 150 NG variants.
4. Operational Deployment: Reports suggest BrahMos may have been used in #OperationSindoor, targeting Pakistani military sites.
5. Global Interest: Countries from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas have shown interest in acquiring BrahMos.

The export deals with Southeast Asian nations are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, boosting India's defense industry. These countries view BrahMos as a key tool for maritime security, particularly in the South China Sea, where tensions with China persist. These advancements make BrahMos an even more formidable force in modern warfare.