Scientists achieved a major milestone on Thursday by successfully test-firing an indigenous seeker-fitted Brahmos supersonic cruise missile. Till now the seeker, the most important component in the missile identifies and guides the missile to the target, was of Russian origin. The supersonic missile is a joint-venture between India and Russia.
The seeker test was conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the missile hit the target with “pin-point” accuracy. This success will further bolster India’s national security, she added.
“Formidable Supersonic Cruise Missile #BrahMos was successfully flight-tested at 8.42 am today at Pokhran test range, Rajasthan. The precision strike weapon with Indian-made seeker flew in its designated trajectory and hit the target with pin-point accuracy,” Sitharaman tweeted while congratulating Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Incidentally, this test comes three months after the IAF successfully test-fired the Brahmos missile from its frontline fighter jet SU-30. The IAF plans to fit at least 40 SU-30s with Brahmos missile in the coming years after conducting some more validation tests. The missile is capable of hitting a target at 290 kms and its range can be extended to more than 400 kms as certain technical restrictions were removed after India became a full member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
The Army and Navy have already inducted Brahmos and with the successful trial of the capability to launch this missile from a jet has given lethality to the armed forces. In simple terms, it means that a fighter jet can take out terrorist hiding a built-up area or high risk installations in enemy territory without entering its air space. Moreover, it can easily evade the enemy radars to launch the missile and evade detection quickly after successful completion of the mission.
All the frontline warships of the Navy have Brahmos missile manufactured in India and the Army has also deployed this missile on all forward locations including some strategic locations along the line of Actual Control (lAC) facing China.