The conflict in Ukraine has witnessed a high level of utilisation of cruise missiles and glide bombs by Russia, as the air defence systems provided by the West had established a zone of air denial over the region. Additionally, the Russian cruiser Moskva was destroyed by subsonic cruise missiles. In previous conflicts such as the Gulf Wars, the United States extensively employed cruise missiles. In accordance with Chinese air strategy, the initial approach involves the deployment of cruise missiles and conventional ballistic missiles to diminish the offensive and defensive capabilities of the adversary before commencing their own offensive operations. Despite being more costly in comparison to free-fall bombs, cruise missiles have evolved into a crucial weapon system that is essential to possess in large quantities within the military inventory.
India’s Defence has its own answer when it comes to cruise missiles. It is BrahMos.
The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile powered by a ramjet engine, designed to kill medium-range targets. It is capable of being launched from various platforms such as land, ships, submarines, and aircraft. Known for its high manoeuvrability and top speed of Mach 2.8, the BrahMos is recognised as the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile. Currently, the land, sea, and air-launched versions of the missile are being actively introduced into the armed forces in substantial quantities. The air-launched variant is compatible only with the Su-30 MKI aircraft due to its substantial size. Notably, BrahMos missiles are equipped with an embedded chip that enables the use of navigation systems from the United States, Russia, or India, including Navic.
India was not initially a part of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which imposed restrictions on missile payload and range. After joining in 2016, India’s BrahMos started developing a new line of missiles with improved range and accuracy. Some missiles with a range of up to 500 km have already been created, with plans to enhance all missiles to reach 1,500 km. The submarine-launched version of BrahMos can be deployed from depths of 40 to 50 meters. The air-launched BrahMos-A needed adjustments in size and weight to be compatible with aircraft. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI can carry only one of the 2.55-ton, 500 km-range BrahMos-A missiles, prompting modifications to numerous aircraft for this purpose. Each branch of the military possesses a substantial missile arsenal, with quantities on the rise.
BrahMos-NG, the next-generation variant, will weigh approximately 1.5 tons and boast a range of 290 km with a speed of Mach 3.5. Its compact size, with a length of 6 m and diameter of 50 centimetres, will enable it to be deployed on a wider range of Indian Air Forde fighters, including the LCA. The Su-30MKI is designed to carry three of these missiles, while other combat aircraft will carry one each. Moreover, the BrahMos-NG will feature an AESA radar instead of the mechanically scanned radar found on the BrahMos, enhancing its stealth capabilities. The reduced radar cross-section (RCS) will significantly reduce the likelihood of detection and interception. The BrahMos-NG will also be available in land and sea variants. The submarine-launched version will be compatible with the new P75I class of submarines and is projected to be inducted by 2024. The Navy has placed orders for Next-Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range), with deliveries expected by 2027. BrahMos Aerospace intends to produce the BrahMos-NG in Uttar Pradesh, with a significant initial order placed by the IAF.
A high-speed version of the BrahMos missile, known as BrahMos-II, is currently in development. This new iteration is designed to reach speeds of Mach 7-8, enhancing its capability for rapid aerial strikes. With a projected range of 600 km, testing for the BrahMos-II is scheduled to commence by 2024, with plans for official deployment around 2028. Furthermore, a submarine-launched variant of the missile will be compatible with the upcoming P75I class of submarines, expected to be incorporated into the fleet by 2024. The Navy has also placed orders for Next-Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries with extended range capabilities, set to be delivered by approximately 2027. BrahMos Aerospace intends to produce the BrahMos-NG in Uttar Pradesh, with a substantial initial order from the Indian Air Force.
Apparently, 9 of these BrahMos Missiles were pointed towards Pakistan on 27th February 2019, to trigger the Qatal Ki Raat (Night of Death), amid a Indo-Pak Air Force Skirmish in a dangerous dog fight between the two air forces post Pulwama terror attack, In J&K.
India always stands on the face of a dangerous possibility of two front attacks from not-so-friendly neighbours. Amid such scenario, India rightfully carries the capability of the fastest cruise missile in the world.
Article Written by Prajnajit Patra
Source of Technical Details:
Picture Credit: DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organization)