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SALEM (BNS): India will emerge as the superpower with command over a hypersonic version of the cruise missile technology in five years, Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, CEO & MD, BrahMos Aerospace has said.

"Having achieved self reliance in cruise missile technology, an ambitious project to increase the missile speed from Mach 2.8 to Mach 7 has been taken up," Dr. Pillai told the English daily The Hindu.

By developing the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile system, India has marched ahead, leaving far behind the world leaders in missile technology.

"This needs to be maintained and upgraded gradually," he said.

"We are the leaders in speed, precision and delivery. Others, including the powerful developed nations, have subsonic missiles. Our missiles are three times faster than US' Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles."

"The hypersonic concept will materialise by 2016," he added.

While speaking about the air-launched version of BRAHMOS missile Dr. Pillai said, trials for the integration of the missiles into the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been successful. A new engine for missile launch has been developed.

The final test-firing of the missile from Su-30 MKI will commence shortly. After successful trials, the missiles will be integrated into the IAF fighter aircraft by 2012-end, the BrahMos Aerospace Chief said.

On the weight of the missile for air-version, Dr. Pillai said, "The missile needs to be slimmer to ensure speed, range and delivery. The supersonic cruise missiles, which will be integrated shortly with the IAF fighter aircraft, are performing well and the aircraft feel light and easy."

About the submarine-based underwater launch of BRAHMOS, he said that the project was in an advanced stage.

Referring to the land-based version, Dr. Pillai said, "The BRAHMOS Block III missile with advanced guidance would soon be deployed in high-altitude mountain ranges. The missile would boast of high manoeuvring capability at multiple points for steep dive from a high altitude. The missile can hit targets hidden behind mountain ranges too."