Sukhoi Su-30MKI test-fires the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile on Wednesday

The air version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from Sukhoi 30MKI off the Odisha coast

The air version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from supersonic fighter aircraft Sukhoi 30 MK-I at 1030 am on Wednesday. The test was carried out from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha on December 08, 2021. The missile launched from the aircraft followed the planned trajectory, achieving all mission objectives.

The launch is a major milestone in the BrahMos missile development. It cleared the stage for the serial production of the air version of the BrahMos missiles within the country.

Major airframe assemblies that form an integral part of the Ramjet engine were indigenously developed by Indian firms. These include non-metallic airframe sections, comprising Ramjet fuel tank and pneumatic fuel supply system. During the test, the structural integrity and functional performance also met the expectations. The air version of the BrahMos was last tested in July 2021.

The BrahMos is a joint venture between India (DRDO) and Russia (NPOM) for the development, production and marketing of the supersonic cruise missile. BrahMos is a potent offensive missile weapon system that is already being used by the Armed Forces.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), BrahMos team, the Indian Air Force and the defence industry on the successful test firing. Congratulating the teams involved in the flight test, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO G Satheesh Reddy said various laboratories of DRDO, academic institutions, quality assurance and certification agencies, public sector undertakings and the Indian Air Force participated in the development, testing, production, and induction of this complex missile system.