A substantial enhancement is on the horizon for the Indian Air Force. The Ministry of Defence has recently sanctioned a major defense procurement plan, amounting to $7.64 billion, which includes 110 BrahMos-A air-launched supersonic cruise missiles and 87 heavy drones. This strategic purchase is set to dramatically amplify India’s air strike capabilities and overall strategic position.
The BrahMos-A missile’s capabilities were recently demonstrated in combat during Operation Sindoor. The missile successfully targeted and disabled vital airbases and runways belonging to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). This successful operation highlighted the missile’s capacity to strike deep within enemy territory, regardless of operational conditions.
What is the BrahMos-A?
The BrahMos-A is the air-launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. It is a collaborative effort between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, working under BrahMos Aerospace. The missile’s name is derived from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
The missile flies at speeds between Mach 2.8 and 3.0, approximately three times the speed of sound. It can engage targets beyond 450 km, with an extended version able to reach a range of 800 km. The fire-and-forget technology enables the missile to autonomously seek and hit its target after launch.
Lethal Combination with Sukhoi Fighter Jets
The BrahMos-A is designed for launch from the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. It can carry a high-explosive warhead with a weight capacity between 200 and 300 kg. Notable features include its ability to operate at altitudes of 15 km and strike at very low levels (as low as 10 meters). Its low radar profile makes it very difficult to detect and intercept.
Key Features
Key features include: Its speed is three times that of sound; it has a range of 450 to 800 km; it can strike land and sea targets accurately; it provides all-weather operational capability; and it can evade enemy air defense systems.
Transforming India’s Air Power
This acquisition will transform India’s air power capabilities. The BrahMos-A and heavy drones will equip India with a strategic edge, ensuring the capacity to destroy enemy targets from long distances. The Indian Air Force will gain a formidable weapon for striking targets in the air, on land, and at sea, sending a clear message to potential adversaries.
