Article Posted on : - Aug 09, 2010

A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Indian Government on Monday said it will export the Indo-Russian joint venture BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile to friendly countries taking into account the security needs of the two nations.

"The Inter-Governmental Agreement signed by the two governments stipulates that the missile will be inducted in the armed forces of the India and Russia and also will be exported to friendly countries," Defence Minister A K Antony said replying to a question in the Lok Sabha.

He said India in consultation with Russian government will export BRAHMOS cruise missile to friendly countries taking into account the security needs of the both countries.

Antony said presently, the missiles are being produced for meeting requirements of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force on priority and "export will start only after meeting minimum requirements of the country".

The Minister said the two countries have also signed an agreement on the missile which has been approved by the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission for Military Technical Cooperation.

Answering another query on missiles, Antony said there was no plan to accept the conditions of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).