Bhramos Test fired successfully.

India, Russia jointly test cruise missile

New Delhi, April 28

India and Russia on Sunday successfully tested a jointly developed supersonic cruise missile in Orissa, a defence ministry spokesman said.

The missile, known as Brahmos, has a range of 300 kilometres and can carry a 200-kilogram conventional war-head. It was first test-fired in June last year. “According to the reports we have recieved, today’s test was a success,” the defence spokesman said.

The three-tonne, eight-metre long missile can be launched from a variety of platforms including ships and aircraft, the spokesman said.

When launched from a ship, the missile can fly at a height of up to 14 kilometres at twice the speed of sound, he said.

Brahmos has a sensor on its head that detects the target and can change course to strike 20 kilometres from the initial objective.

Brahmos can also fly near surface level, but that results in a shortening of its range to 120 kilometres, defence sources said. About 30 Russian scientists along with their Indian counterparts were present for the test in Orissa.

The missile was developed by a joint venture company formed in 1998 between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia’s State Unitary Enterprise NPO Mashinostroyenia

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An important stand off weapon thats been missing in the Indian arsenal. Gives the Indian forces better strategic strike capability.