The Indian Air Force is set to receive a significant upgrade with a recently approved defense procurement plan. The Ministry of Defence has greenlit a massive $7.64 billion deal that includes the acquisition of 110 BrahMos-A air-launched supersonic cruise missiles and 87 heavy drones. This will significantly boost India’s air strike capabilities and strategic reach.
The BrahMos-A missile proved its effectiveness in combat during Operation Sindoor, where it precisely targeted and neutralized crucial airbases and runways of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). This successful deployment underscored the missile’s ability to strike deep within enemy territory under various conditions.
Understanding the BrahMos-A
The BrahMos-A is the air-launched variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a collaborative project between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, operating under the BrahMos Aerospace joint venture. Its name is derived from the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
It can reach speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0, which is roughly three times the speed of sound. The missile has a range exceeding 450 km, and the extended version boasts a range of up to 800 km. Employing fire-and-forget technology, the missile independently locks onto and destroys its target after launch.
Integration with Sukhoi Aircraft
The BrahMos-A is launched from the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets. It can carry high-explosive warheads weighing between 200 and 300 kg. Key features include its capacity to operate at altitudes of 15 km and strike as low as 10 meters, making it difficult to detect and intercept due to its low radar signature.
Key Advantages
Its advantages include: Speed that is three times the speed of sound; a range of 450 to 800 km; accuracy in striking both land and sea targets; operational capabilities in all weather conditions; and the ability to evade enemy air defense systems.
Elevating India’s Air Power
This agreement will provide India with a new level of air power. The combined capability of the BrahMos-A and heavy drones will give India a strategic advantage, providing the ability to precisely eliminate enemy targets from a distance. The Indian Air Force will be equipped with a powerful weapon capable of striking targets from the air, land, and sea, sending a strong deterrent message to potential adversaries.