Cabinet approves deal to purchase more than 200 BrahMos missiles for Navy

BrahMos missile flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach i.e. almost three times the speed of sound.

In a significant move, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the procurement of over 200 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and related equipment for the Indian Navy at a cost of about Rs 19,000 crore, people familiar with the matter said. Thursday.

He said the missiles would be deployed extensively on various warships to enhance the overall combat capabilities of the Navy.

It is learned that the proposal approved by the CCS involves the acquisition of a mix of BrahMos missiles with a range of about 290 km and the latest extended-range version of the weapon with a range of about 450 km.

BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, an India-Russia joint venture, produces supersonic cruise missiles that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land platforms.

BrahMos missile flies at a speed of 2.8 Mach i.e. almost three times the speed of sound.

The formal contract for the purchase of the missiles is expected to be sealed in the next few months. India is also exporting BrahMos missiles.

In January 2022, India signed a US$375 million deal with the Philippines for the supply of three batteries for the missile.

The supply of missiles to the Southeast Asian country is scheduled to begin from next month.

Some other countries including Argentina have also shown interest in purchasing BrahMos missile from India.

The approval for the Rs 19,000 crore procurement project comes amid a renewed focus on maritime security in the wake of China’s increasing incursions into the Indian Ocean.

The Indian Air Force has already integrated the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile on some Sukhoi fighter aircraft. India has been focusing on enhancing its overall war capabilities over the past few years.

Last week, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) had approved acquisition projects worth Rs 84,560 crore which included procurement of mid-air refuellers, heavy-weight torpedoes, air defense radars and new generation anti-tank mines.

DAC also gave initial approval for procurement of medium range maritime reconnaissance and multi-mission aircraft to strengthen surveillance capabilities of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.

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