An air version of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from supersonic fighter aircraft Sukhoi 30 MK-I on Wednesday.
The missile was launched from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha at 10.30 am, the Defence Ministry said in an official statement.
Describing the launch “a major milestone” in the BrahMos development, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) said that it clears the system for the serial production of air-version BrahMos missiles within the country.
Major airframe assemblies which form integral part of the Ramjet Engine are indigenously developed by Indian Industry, the DRDO added.
The ministry said that in this copy book flight, the missile launched from the aircraft followed the pre-planned trajectory meeting all mission objectives.
During the test, the structural integrity and functional performance have been proven, the statement further said.
The air version of BrahMos was last flight tested in July this year.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has praised DRDO, BrahMos, Indian Air Force and the industry on the successful test firing, the statement read.
BrahMos is a joint venture between the DRDO and Russia’s NPOM for the development, production and marketing of the supersonic cruise missile. BrahMos is the potent offensive missile weapon system already inducted into the Armed Forces.
Today’s launch comes a day after India successfully test-fired the Vertically Launched Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Chandipur-based ITR. The DRDO-designed system has been developed for the Indian Navy, and can engage targets at a distance of around 15km.
