Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

India, Russia to develop aircraft version of BrahMos missile

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Dec 17, IRNA
India-Russia-Brahmos
India and Russia have pumped in USD 50 million to develop an aircraft version of the supersonic cruise missile `BrahMos', according to a top official of the joint venture.

"Development for the aircraft version is a new (initiative) which was not originally contemplated. Towards that we have added USD 50 million in the company as investment from both India and Russia," Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of BrahMos Aerospace A Sivathanu Pillai said in Bangalore today.

Pillai said the Indian Air Force (IAF) would integrate the missile with Sukhoi-30 fighters.

"We have now completed the feasibility study for integrating the BrahMos with Sukhoi-30 for the Air Force. They have accepted the report and now we are in the process of making certain changes in the missile which will suit its integration with the Sukhoi. 2007 is the target date for flying the aircraft," he said.

The missile system was being inducted by the Indian Navy, Pillai said, adding that some trials had also been conducted for the Army.

"We are going to do some more trials to meet the various requirements of the Army against land targets. Once that process is over, the Army would also induct the system," he said.

According to Pillai, the Russian government, as a joint venture partner, would install the system on their ships. "We are working out as to how to do it."
An essentially anti-ship missile, BrahMos has a striking range of 290 kilometers.

He said being the best anti-ship missile in the world today, BrahMos has attracted the interest of many countries.

"There are countries who are very keen to have the BrahMos system. We are in discussion with them," Pillai said.

"We are addressing various countries which are friendly with us by conducting various exhibitions and interacting with their defence ministries and at the government-to-government level."
Pillai said the cost of the BrahMos missile depends upon its platform, configuration and application.

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