India tests BrahMos missile with range of over 400 km

India on Saturday successfully tested an extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile whose reach has been increased from 290 km to 400 km. The missile’s maiden test was conducted off the Odisha coast.

“The land-attack version of the supersonic cruise missile system met its mission parameters in a copybook manner…executed with high precision from the mobile autonomous launcher deployed in full configuration,” a BrahMos Aerospace spokesperson said. The missile is an Indo-Russian joint venture.

Increasing the missile’s range became possible after India’s induction into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) last June. The configuration of the existing missile has been tweaked to enhance its range.

“With the successful test firing of the missile, the Indian armed forces will be empowered to knock down enemy targets far beyond 400 kms,” BrahMos Aerospace CEO Sudhir Mishra said. He told HT, “The missile is more accurate than a rifle at 100-metre range.” Another version of the missile with a strike range of 800 km is under development.

India is currently carrying out tests of the air-launched BrahMos missile from speciallymodified Sukhoi-30 fighter jets. The missile’s land and naval variants – 500kg heavier than the air version – are already in service.

Two Su-30 jets have been modified by the Nasik division of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to carry the 2.5-tonne missile.

Air-launched BrahMos is expected to be ready for deployment later this year, and at least two Su-30 squadrons with 20 planes each are likely to be equipped with it.