Article Posted on : - Sep 23, 2013

The full-scale model of BRAHMOS missile system fitted with the large-scale replica of Project 11356-class guided missile frigate on display at NAMEXPO 2013. A BNS photo

COCHIN, KERALA (BNS): BrahMos Aerospace, the producer of world's only supersonic cruise missile BRAHMOS, is one of the major attractions at NAMEXPO-2013 being held at Cochin Port Trust, Kerala from 23rd Sept to 27th Sept.

The India-Russia JV Company is displaying BRAHMOS in various configurations, including the recently developed and successfully tested underwater variant of the supersonic cruise missile system.

The major highlight during the exhibition is the BRAHMOS Coastal Defence System consisting of the land-attack variant of the 290-km range missile. Also on focus is the BRAHMOS Ship-based Weapon Complex consisting the ship-to-land and ship-to-ship variant of the missile.

The Indian Navy's newly inducted Project 11356-class guided missile frigate equipped with BRAHMOS as the "prime strike weapon" is being exhibited during the premier event. A full-scale model of BRAHMOS fitted with the large-scale replica of the warship is a major draw at the five day show.

Of the three Project 11356-class frigates on order from Russia, two have been commissioned into service -- INS Teg on 27 April, 2012 and INS Tarkash on 9 November, 2012 respectively, while INS Trikand was commissioned on 1 July 2013. All three ships are being equipped with 8 vertical launched BRAHMOS missile system.

Both INS Teg and INS Tarkash have successfully test fired the surface-to-surface BRAHMOS missile in vertical launch configuration following their induction in the Navy.

The vertical launch configuration of BRAHMOS enhances the stealth capabilities of the warships as the missiles are under the deck and not exposed. The Universal Vertical Launcher (UVLM) being used in these ships has a unique design, developed and patented by BrahMos Aerospace.

The ship-based configuration of the tactical BRAHMOS missile has been deployed on Indian Navy's frontline warships. The naval variant of the missile has been successfully test-fired in both vertical and inclined launch modes from moving warships. The powerful missile can be launched in solo or salvo mode from a warship and completely destroy single or multiple targets within a fraction of few seconds.

Among other highlights, the BRAHMOS air-borne launcher and equipment manufactured by BATL for Defence and Space applications are also on display at the BrahMos Aerospace pavilions at E-69 (indoor) and OD-1 (outdoor).

NAMEXPO 2013 is a maiden event focused on Naval and Maritime domain. The exhibition is being organised by CII in association with Indian Navy and Government of Kerala.

BrahMos Aerospace is taking part as the "Technology Partner" in the event which is pegged as the "first focused naval and maritime exhibition" in India.