In a deal to boost indigenisation in the armed forces, the Indian Navy is looking to acquire over 200 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, which would be equipped on all the frontline warships.
The Indo-Russian joint venture company has recently conducted test firings of the missile.
Purchased under the ‘Buy Indian’ category, the Indian Navy plans to equip all its frontline warships with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. This significant acquisition would also allow the Indian Navy to stock its inventory with the missiles already deployed on the naval force’s warships and coastal missile batteries.
From 2022-2027, the funding available to India’s Armed Forces will increase to $83.8bn in 2027, showing the country’s desire to fortify its armed forces and satisfy its security needs. The Defence Research & Development Organisation is leading India’s indigenous modernisation programmes.
According to reports, the Indian Navy is expected to equip the Project 15-B destroyers and Project 17-A frigates, among other warships, with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles when the delivery begins on approval.
Over the years, supersonic cruise missiles have witnessed significant advancements. BrahMos, the Indo-Russian firm, has significantly improved the strike range of the rockets by increasing it from 290km to over 400km.
In January this year, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft conducted test firing of an extended range version of BrahMos air-launched missiles against a ship target.
India’s BrahMos and Philippines Aerospace Limited signed a deal worth around $375m to procure BrahMos cruise missiles for the Philippines Marines. The agreement between the Philippines and BrahMos is a milestone in India’s efforts to become one of the largest defence exporters in the world.
