The Indian Navy successfully test-fired a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from its guided missile destroyer INS Mormugao on Sunday. The missile was fired during the ship’s maiden voyage, marking a significant milestone for both the ship and the Indian Navy’s firepower at sea.
The missile was launched from an undisclosed location and reportedly hit its target with precision. The BrahMos missile is a joint venture between India and Russia and can be launched from ships, submarines, aircraft, or land platforms. It flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach, which is almost three times the speed of sound.
The successful test-firing of the missile is a demonstration of the Indian Navy’s capability to launch a supersonic cruise missile from a frontline guided missile destroyer. It also highlights India’s commitment to becoming more self-sufficient in its defense manufacturing. The INS Mormugao and the BrahMos missile are both indigenous products, which are seen as a symbol of India’s drive towards “AatmaNirbharta,” or self-reliance.
BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd is responsible for producing the supersonic cruise missile. The company is a joint venture between India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia. The missile is named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers in India and Russia, respectively.
The BrahMos missile has gained international attention, and India is now exporting the missile to other countries. In January 2020, India secured a $375 million deal with the Philippines to supply three batteries for the missile. This deal was seen as a significant boost for India’s defense exports, which have been on the rise in recent years.
The successful test-firing of the BrahMos missile from the INS Mormugao is a significant achievement for the Indian Navy and the country’s defense industry. It demonstrates India’s commitment to developing advanced defense technologies and highlights the country’s potential as a major player in the global defense market.
