PM visits BrahMos unit

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 12 (PTI) Prime Minister ManmohanSingh today had a first-hand knowledge of different stages ofthe operation of the country''s prestigious supersonic cruisemissile ''BrahMos'' during his brief visit to its unit here.

Singh along with Defence Minister A K Antony went aroundthe BrahMos missile plant and showed keen interest on themissile integration procedures, an official at the BrahMosAerospace said.

"Singh sought to know the various process of missileassembling and also the expansion programmes of BrahMosAerospace," the official said.

He also exchanged pleasantries with the plant''s workers.

Company CEO and Managing Director A Sivathanu Pillaiexplained to Singh functioning of different sections in theunit. A presentation of a computer simulation on missilelaunch and other functions of the unit was also made.

Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan was also present duringthe Prime Minister''s visit to the BrahMos Aerospace Unit,an Indo-Russian joint venture.

BrahMos cruise missiles with a range of 290 km arealready in service in the Army and Navy.

BrahMos Aerospace is a USD 300 million joint venturebetween Defence Research Development Organisation that holds50.5 per cent stake and Military Industrial Consortium/MPOMachinostroyenia of Russia which has the remaining equity. PTIJRK BN