BRAHMOS AND THE INDIAN AIR FORCE

While the first squadron of the IAF equipped with the BrahMos is expected to be operational by April 2017, ambitious plans are in the pipeline for raising three squadrons of BrahMos. The IAF would become the elite air force in the world to be in possession of a supersonic cruise missile mounted on a long-range aircraft. The Su-30MKI equipped with the powerful missile will enable the IAF penetrate deep inside the enemy territory to deliver a deadly blow to their vital installations from stand-off ranges. The integration brings a paradigm shift in the capability of the IAF vis-à-vis its adversaries. The Su-30-BrahMos combination will carry out air combat operations within and beyond visibility range and will provide the IAF with the capability of attacking targets protected by powerful air defence assets. Air version of BrahMos is 500 kg lighter than its army and naval versions and has tail fins and other required aerodynamic features.