India Boosts Naval Power: BrahMos Missile Deal Worth Rs 19,000 Crore Approved

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the largest purchase order of BrahMos missiles to date on Wednesday night, with the Centre clearing a procurement worth over Rs 20,000 crore for the Indian Navy. The procurement, to be carried out in phases until 2030, will see BrahMos Aerospace supplying 200 BrahMos-ER supersonic cruise missiles for deployment on the Navy's warships. The contract for this purchase order is expected to be signed between BrahMos Aerospace and the Ministry of Defence in March. BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya.

The BrahMos missile has garnered global attention, with the Philippines becoming its first customer. Under the leadership of Atul Rane, BrahMos Aerospace is aiming to achieve a $5 billion export target by 2025, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of India becoming a net exporter of defence equipment.

The BrahMos missile, renowned as the most lethal supersonic cruise missile globally, has demonstrated exceptional accuracy in targeting both sea and land-based objectives, surpassing radar horizons. Primarily designed for naval deployment, this weapon can be launched vertically or inclined from stationary or moving maritime platforms, engaging targets at extended ranges on sea or land.

Integrated into the forefront of the Indian Navy's surface combat platforms, including destroyers and frigates, the BrahMos serves as the primary offensive weapon. Through successful test firings from naval warships, the missile has exhibited remarkable speed, precision, and formidable firepower, swiftly eliminating enemy targets in various sea-to-sea or sea-to-land scenarios.

The missile's 'salvo' launch capability is a highly desirable feature, as demonstrated in a successful test from the guided missile frigate, INS Trikand. In 'salvo' mode, the BrahMos can be launched at intervals of 2-2.5 seconds, following different trajectories. This capability enables a salvo of eight BrahMos missiles to effectively penetrate and destroy a group of targets equipped with modern anti-missile defences, showcasing its versatility and strategic impact.

The missile was initially deployed on INS Rajput.