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22 Mar 2018
BrahMos, world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, successfully flight tested
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India's BrahMoS, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, was successfully flight tested from Rajasthan's Pokhran test range today.
The missile, flying at nearly thrice the speed of sound at Mach 2.8 with a 290km range, was first tested successfully in 2001.
It can be launched by land, air and sea, and is being integrated on 40 Sukhoi fighter aircraft. Here's all about it!
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History
BrahMos derives name from Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers
![BrahMos derives name from Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers]( "BrahMos derives name from Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers")
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In the 1990s, India felt the need for a powerful cruise missile system and roped in Russia for the project.
In 1998, a bilateral Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed paving the way for BrahMos Aerospace.
This is a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM).
The name BrahMos comes from the Indian River, Brahmaputra, and Russia's Moskva.
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Information
Specifications of the supersonic missile
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The Brahmos is a ramjet supersonic cruise missile based on Russia's P-800 Oniks missile. It carries a conventional warhead weighing 200-300kgs and can potentially carry nuclear warheads. The supersonic speeds make it nearly impossible for enemies to intercept the missile, renowned for its pinpoint precision.
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Capabilities
The BrahMos can be fired on land, water and air!
![The BrahMos can be fired on land, water and air!]( "The BrahMos can be fired on land, water and air!")
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Since 2001, the missile has undergone a series of trials and been inducted into the army and navy.
The missile comes with sea- and land-launched variants to take on various targets.
The sea-launched variants are deployed aboard Indian Navy frigates and destroyers for anti-shipping roles.
The lethal anti-ship variant has sea-skimming capability, making it very difficult to detect and intercept.
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Air Force
But BrahMos' launch from Sukhoi-30MKI is significant
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However, the airborne version is more versatile: a Sukhoi can travel 1,500km before firing, and the missile can then travel another 400km.
Compared to a slow-moving warship, a Sukhoi-BrahMos combination can deliver a knockout attack in minutes.
A major milestone came in November, when it was successfully test fired from a Sukhoi-30.
The project is expected to be completed by 2020.
