Article Posted on : - Apr 20, 2010

A File Photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indo-Russian joint venture BRAHMOS cruise missile is ready for launch from underwater platform to enable it to be used in a submarine, the Lok Sabha was informed Monday.

Defence Minister A K Antony, in a written reply, told the House that the missile, which can hit targets 290 km away, had recently proved its capability to be launched vertically from a naval warship and manoeuvred to hit the target ship, thereby meeting the Navy's requirements.

BRAHMOS installation in submarine will increase manyfold the 'offensive power' of the vessel without compromising on its 'defensive power' as the torpedo tubes can be fully utilized for defence.

BRAHMOS, the world's only supersonic cruise missile that touches speeds of 2.8 Mach, was developed initially as an anti-ship version for launch from ship-to-ship for the Indian Navy and inducted into service, he said.

Later, land-to-land version was developed for the Army, he said, noting that this version was already inducted into the Army. Antony said test was also carried out from ship-to-land target recently.

The air version of the missile was under development for IAF's Su-30MKI fighter jet, which would be ready in 2012.

"Some parts of the missile components and the airborne launcher are currently being produced in Thiruvananthapuram complex of BrahMos Aerospace. It is planned to set up the integration complex in the adjacent land belonging to IAF, so that the manufacturing of the missile can be from the Thiruvananthapuram complex," he added.

The DRDO has recently provided Rs 50 crore as the first installment for the facility realisation.