Boosting its operational capabilities, the IAF on Thursday successfully test-fired the extended range version of the BrahMos air-launched missile, which can hit targets at a range of about 400 km. The test was carried out when a Su-30 MKI fighter jet launched the missile against a ship target.
The supersonic cruise missile achieved the desired mission objectives in the Bay of Bengal region and with the successful test, the Indian Air Force achieved a capability boost to carry out precision strikes from Su-30 fighter aircraft against land/ sea targets over long ranges, the defence ministry said. "The extended range capability of the missile coupled with the high performance of the SU-30MKI aircraft gives the Indian Air Force a strategic reach and allows it to dominate the future battle fields," the ministry statement added. The successful test firing was a joint effort by the Air Force, Indian Navy, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and the BrahMos Aerospace Limited(BAPL).
In May this year, the extended-range version of the supersonic missile was successfully tested from the SU-30. The extended range was reported to have increased to 350 km from 290 km. The successful test conducted in May was the first instance in which the missile was test fired from the Su-30MKI fighter jet. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has a two-stage solid propellant booster engine as its first stage which takes it to supersonic speed. The second stage is the liquid ramjet engine which takes it closer to Mach 3 (3 times the speed of sound) speed in the cruise phase. BrahMos missile is universal for multiple platforms and can be launched from air, land, and sea platforms. The missile works on the 'Fire and Forget principle' and maintains a high supersonic throughout the flight. The missile has a low radar signature. Brahmos supersonic missile is a joint venture between Russia and India.
The sophisticated missile is already inducted into the Army and Navy. Many Brahmos missiles are now deployed along the Line of Actual Control(LAC)facing China. On November 30, the Army test fired the extended range Brahmos from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.